‘WCSH’ reports on UNE kelp research and its impact on the marine economy
A crew from WCSH tagged along as researchers from the University of New England’s Center for Excellence in Marine Sciences harvested sugar kelp from their research farm.
The UNE Macroalgae Nursery and Research Cluster has developed an efficient technique to grow kelp spores in the lab that can be transported to farms in the ocean where they grow during the winter months. It’s a growing global industry, and UNE is working to position Maine to lead the way in developing the most sophisticated growing techniques as well as developing the products that will ultimately create jobs and support the marine economy.
“Once we begin to really know and communicate the health benefits of sea greens, people are going to flock to this,” said award winning chef and author Barton Seaver, who has recently joined UNE as a senior advisor for sustainable seafood.
“The range of products in sea vegetables ranges in the hundreds,” said Barry Costa-Pierce, Ph.D., Henry L. & Grace Doherty Professor of Marine Sciences and chair of UNE’s Department of Marine Sciences. “There are hundreds of possible small businesses and tons of jobs right through the whole value chain.”