Kelp Biomass Production Yield, Genetics and Planting Technology - Annual Report 1985

Progress has been made toward the long-term goal of growing macroalgae in the sea as a future source of substitute natural gas. This annual report discusses progress made to: 1) measure macroalgal yield, 2) enhance yield by row planting and selective harvesting, 3) genetically breed high-producing plants, 4) devise methods for planting kelps and 5) maintain and extend collaborative research efforts and communication with scientists working on macroalgal biomass production in Japan, China and elsewhere. The report discusses kelp biology and macroalgal mariculture in general terms, the theories that have been proposed and the existing data base in the scientific literature. Particular attention is given to new techniques used to make in-the-sea hydrodynamic and light-climate measurements and rnicrospectrophotometric measurements of DNA levels in kelp sporophytes and gametophytes. New and effective tank, dish and in-the-sea planting and culture methods have been successfully employed in a co-funded program to establish a new kelp bed. Other co-funded work in genetics and marine farm engineering is mentioned in the report. A list of ten publications resulting from this work is included. The report suggests that in the distant future, the 1,000 acre natural kelp forest, recently leased to NMI by the State of California, could be used along with on-shore facilities provided by Southern California Gas Company, for pilot-scale demonstration project.