Developing at sea methods for the cultivation of bull kelp

There is a strong market for bull kelp (Durvillaea) due to its exceptionally high levels of alginates and presence of plant biostimulants. However, supply limitations persist with only beach-cast bull kelp being harvested in Australia with declining availability.
Consequently, there is a strong need to develop commercial #bullkelp #aquaculture to meet demand along with a feasibility assessment of bull kelp aquaculture in #offshore waters.
Phase 1 of this research focused on reproducible hatchery methods and preliminary trials of outplanting. This newly launched Phase 2 project is focused on successful outplanting of hatchery-reared juveniles to grow-lines at-sea and testing a range of factors that influence attachment success at different sites, all towards the goal of growing commercially viable bull kelp.