Kelp seedlings
Do you ever wonder how many pairs of eyes have checked our seaweed seedlings before they make their way to the seaweed farmers? With kelp delivery season in full swing, it’s a good time shed light on those light-brown containers we send out each year.
A
ddressing the most common questions on our seedstock.
Who is caring for the seaweed seedstock? We have five full-time team members focused on kelp quality control and production, and even more researchers, technical and office team members supporting them.
What does it take to monitor quality?
Over the year, we meticulously track the quality of our gametophyte stocks and perform sporophyte induction checks to ensure our seedlings are of the best quality and we can produce the right amounts.
Over years of tracking seed quality and farm success, we have learned how colour, shape, cell structure, and composition of the seedling mix, as well as a variety of other factors can give indications for farm performance.
We carefully monitor and mitigate contaminations, as certain types can affect the performance of the seeds drastically
How long does it take to prepare the seedlings?
Three weeks before delivery for direct seeding, the gametophytes are prepared and placed into induction conditions, where they remain and are checked until delivery.
Our twines take longer – 5 weeks in the hatchery until they are ready.
Before delivery, we evaluate and confirm the size and health status of the sporophytes – both for our microscopic direct seeding material, and our twine.
What happens next?
Everything leads up to the moment of delivery – on big delivery days, our entire team works together to ensure the seedlings leave our door in the best condition and are optimally prepared.
We’re continually researching and optimizing our shipping method to guarantee the seedlings arrive safe and ready to grow.