The Yulgilbar Foundation Churchill Fellowship to investigate appropriate methods for introducing kelp farming aquaculture to Australia

Kelp farming is used extensively overseas. When Jo left Australia, she was of the impression that we were lagging somewhat behind in the kelp farming world. Upon her return she was both excited and cautious about the future of developing a kelp aquaculture industry here. There are many benefits, both economically and environmentally, to developing this industry, but certainly, there will be challenges along the way. What she learnt from her Fellowship is, besides Asia, the field of kelp farming is still evolving and emerging globally. Technologies are being adapted and discovered, and new markets being explored continually. Australia is well placed to learn from overseas and to develop a kelp farming aquaculture industry in the near future. There are four main categories to consider with developing a kelp farming industry: Hatchery; Farming/Grow out; Harvesting and Processing; and Developing Markets. Demand for our products has significantly increased as awareness of the many uses and benefits of kelp grows (e.g. in functional food/health supplements, cosmetics, agricultural feed and fertiliser). Kelp farming will ensure a consistent supply to meet increasing demand, for the benefit of all Australians, as well as providing regional employment.   Keywords:  kelp farming, restorative farming, marine permaculture, zero input, gametophytes, sporophytes, hatchery, carbon negative, carbon sequestration, blue economy