Control of farmed Nereocystis luetkeana sporophyte density via novel seeding technology

Carbohydrates derived from kelp in the form of polysaccharides and sugar alcohols present significant market opportunities to nascent mariculture industries. However, the abundance and relative composition of carbohydrates in kelps are known to be vary based on factors like species, population, life history, and environmental conditions.

To support the development of kelp markets in Alaska it is crucial to assess the available carbohydrate resources and provide insights to optimize harvest timing and select for biomass from locations offering favorable conditions. This study aims to assess the relative proportions of polysaccharides (laminarin, alginate and fucoidan) and the sugar-alcohol mannitol in cultivated Saccharina latissima, Alaria marginata and Nereocystis luetkeana.