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I'm eager to share some insights I gained during my recent internship at Kelp Blue (https://kelp.blue), a startup committed to re-wilding the oceans through cultivating kelp forests to improve ocean health and sequester CO2, where I learned about the potential of kelp and seaweed to offer sustainable solutions across various industries.

Photo Credit: Martin, L. (2019). Available at: https://mbc.ucsd.edu/blue-planet-iii-will-kelp-forests-make-the-cut/P

Macrocystis, commonly known as Giant Kelp, stands out for several reasons. It's one of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, capable of growing up to two feet (60 cm) in a single day under favourable conditions, making it a highly renewable resource and an effective carbon sink. Additionally, kelp forests play a crucial ecological role by providing habitats for diverse marine species, thus enriching marine biodiversity.

Kelp, as a biostimulant, offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers, mitigating the harmful effects of nutrient runoff on marine ecosystems. It's gaining attention in the Blue economy due to its unique properties and sustainable harvesting practices. The canopy of Giant Kelp can be harvested for at least seven years without harming marine ecosystems. This method involves harvesting the canopy while leaving the forest intact, preserving critical marine habitats.

The valuable extracts found in Macrocystis, such as fucoidans and other bioactive compounds, not only nourish plants but also enhance soil health and microbial activity, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and offering a profitable solution to farmers.

My experience in the seaweed sector taught me about the transformative potential of kelp and seaweed as solutions to unsustainable practices. The minimal freshwater requirements, lack of land dependency, and efficient carbon sequestration abilities of kelp forests make them particularly exciting within the Blue economy. If you're interested in delving further into this topic, I recommend exploring The Kelp Forest Foundation, which offers valuable insights into its potential: https://kelpforestfoundation.org/.