SEAWEED

STAGE 1

The production of kelp seedlings is carried out by Fermes Marines du Québec in controlled inland conditions. It requires the collection of small amounts of mature sugar kelp, which is then kept in basins. Reproduction is controlled. Once the seedlings (“small kelp”) are formed, they are sown on a string. These seedlings will grow in the basin on that string until they reach a size of roughly 2 mm.

STAGE 2

The string to which the kelp seedlings are fixed will then be put out to sea, spooled around a bigger line that will act as a support for the kelp. This line runs parallel to the surface and is submerged at a depth of seven meters. In Québec, this- launching out to sea takes place in the fall. It allows for the natural growth of the kelp without any external input.

Over the winter the lines are submerged at a depth of seven meters in order to avoid ice damage to the kelp. In the spring the lines are brought up to 4 m so that the kelp benefit from a maximum of light and can grow more rapidly. Harvesting takes place in June.