Wouter Visch1, Cecilia Biancacci2, Alecia Bellgrove2, Bradley Evans3, Phil Lamb4, Cayne Layton1,5, Harry Lush1, J. Craig Sanderson3, Jeffrey Wright1, Catriona L. Hurd1, Catriona Macleod1
1 Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, Tasmania, 7004 Australia
2 Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Warrnambool Campus, Princes Hwy, Victoria 3280, Australia
3 Tassal Group Pty. Ltd., 1 Franklin Wharf, Hobart Tasmania 7000, Australia
4 Spring Bay Seafoods Pty. Ltd., 488 Freestone Point Rd, Triabunna TAS 7190, Australia
5 Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, Tasmania, 7004 Australia
Brown seaweed species of the order Laminariales and Fucales (Phaeophyceae), are commonly known as the kelps, have substantial global economic and ecological importance. Kelp aquaculture has developed significantly in recent years, with a wide array of products already on the market, and new kelp-based products constantly in development. Whilst kelp aquaculture has historically been focused in Asia, it is emerging in “non-traditional” regions of production, including Tasmania, Australia. Being an island state with relatively clean coastal waters and a unique marine flora, Tasmania is well positioned for a thriving seaweed aquaculture industry. Building on early work and the latest findings I will discuss the challenges and opportunities for kelp aquaculture in the indoor hatchery phase as well as the at-sea cultivation in both the near and off-shore environment.