Projects
North Island Seaweed Development Plan
In 2024 CKR worked with LGL ltd. to co-author a report outlining practical information for prospective seaweed farmers, and examining the potential for the development of the industry in the District of Mount Waddington, Vancouver Island,
Kelp DNA research
In 2024, in conjunction with David L. Bailie, SFU genetic professor emeritus and Michael Knoblauch, Washington State University, CKR initiated a study into the role of the kelp male in determining kelp inheritance. Earlier hybridization studies indicated the male’s function may not be as expected. Future advances in kelp utility will depend on a well based genetic background. Imaging by Dr. Knoblauch.
Gametophyte banking
In 2022 CKR began developing a gametophyte bank - similar to a seed banks - where kelp gametophytes are maintained. This banked material may be useful to the kelp farming industry and restoration efforts, preserving genes that are at risk of extinction as kelp forests decline. CKR demonstrated Ma Kombu gametophytes remained viable after 30 years of being held under our hibernation conditions.
Kelp Forestation Feasibility Report
In 2022 and 2023, CKR authored a report and advised on a remedial kelp forestation project in Burrard Inlet for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Evaluation of Risk for the State of Maine, USA
In 2022, CKR compiled a report on the evaluation of risk for novel kelp strain introduction in the Gulf of Maine.
Plant biostimulant exploratory study
In 2021 in collaboration with Ocean Regenerative Aquaculture inc., CKR forwarded the development of kelp-based plant biostimulants.
Kelp Habitat Complexing Report
Beginning in 2021, CKR advised the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and co-authored a report with Ausenco Pty Ltd. on Kelp Habitat Complexing to guide kelp afforestation efforts for the Roberts Bank port development.
Restoration collaboration with Ocean Wise
Starting in 2021, CKR began working collaboratively with Ocean Wise on various projects to increase understanding around kelp restoration. CKR conducted lab experiments with green gravel - gravel with kelp seeded onto it for the purposes of distribution on the ocean floor. This resulted in a lab production manual for green gravel, and an experimental out planting of green gravel in Barkley Sound, with some promising results.
CKR advised Ocean Wise on kelp nursery growth protocols.
In collaboration with local dive volunteers, CKR led an Ocean Wise funded pilot kelp restoration effort on Thetis Island. (Photo from video by William Golley).
Kelp nursery and single spore isolation training
In 2021 and 2022 CKR provided supplementary training to Kelp Rescue Initiative staff on the release of spores and kelp nursery protocol, as well as single spore isolation methodology for banking individual kelp gametophytes for lab culture.
Turkish Towel cultivation
In 2021 CKR tested lab production & grow-out of Chondrocanthus sp. (turkish towel) for Canadian Pacifico Seaweeds. Chondrocanthus sp. are a perennial red seaweed, and similar cultivation methods could be applied to other red seaweeds.
Advisor to the Puget Sound Restoration Fund
From 2015 to 2019, CKR exchanged information with the Puget Sound Restoration Society on the lab culture of kelp.
Kelp restoration with the Nile Creek Enhancement Society
From 2006 to 2018, CKR advised and oversaw the nursery growth of bull kelp out planted on Maude Reef located at the South end of Hornby Island, BC.
Arctic kelp farming potential
From 1993 to 1996, in a first of its kind attempt, CKR worked with Kivalliq land and Sea Resources to grow kelp under the ice in the arctic. Test farms survived under months of ice cover, but kelp growth was slow.
Novel testing of co-culture
CKR and Rob Saunders pioneered the co-culture of sugar kelp and bull kelp. Co-culture mimics the natural intermingling of kelp species found in nature. Buoyant canopy kelp grow upwards off the cultivation line, while understory kelp occupy the lower section of the water column (photo by Island Scallops)
Kelp production evaluation for bio-gas
In 1982, in response to the OPEC crisis, General Electric Co. USA, contracted CKR to evaluate giant kelp biomass production potential on Catalina Island, California. CKR determined the productivity capabilities, however the information was not implemented after the end of the crisis.
Development of kelp farming for BC
From 1980 to 1985, Louis Druehl's kelp team from SFU designed kelp farming techonology suitable to BC, for the BC Ministry of Environment and the BC Science council. This project opened kelp farming outside of Asia, and included test farming Saccharina groenlandica, a kelp species with unexplored potential.
