Kelp Farming
Kelp Farming is the initial thrust of Oceans7, consisting of floating ocean platforms supporting kelp forests that also provide habitat for ocean life. Situated beyond the continental shelf, the platforms are anchored to the sea floor, and can be self-powered by solar panels and/or wave generators. Nutrient-rich water from 100 meters down is pumped up to feed the kelp. All of this uses existing technology. As new technologies come online, we expect to provide Iron Fertilization and possible collection points for plastic swept from the ocean’s surface, along with enzyme treatments for breaking down the plastics.
This will also create employment, both during construction and during operation. The first platform will itself be a laboratory to refine platform design and usage, but is still expected to generate revenue much beyond it’s cost – far less than land-based solutions, with the ability to scale quickly.
Kelp – and it’s attendant marine life – offer a source of food to help feed a hungry world population, without using increasingly scarce land resources or fresh water. Kelp is also very nutritious.
Kelp Farming is a solution that helps meet many of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger, Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, and Climate Action, with the potential to meet even more.
Over all, this is a multi-trillion dollar opportunity to increase the world’s food supply, help oceans recover from over-fishing and plastic pollution, and sequester vast quantities of carbon safely. Additional uses for the floating sea platforms include scientific research, educational classes and tourism.