Environmental News Network - Kelp Farming is Expensive, But a New Resource Points to Lower Costs

Kelp cost modeling tool for Maine seaweed farms reveals major savings options

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 25, 2025 A new economic analysis tool for kelp farming, created by Kelson Marine and the University of Maine, is helping operators assess site selection, weather effects, crop size, and operational factors across both nearshore and offshore environments including the open Gulf of Maine. The team developed the tool to address the high startup and operational costs faced by new kelp farmers and to he

Environmental News Network - Kelp Farming is Expensive, But a New Resource Points to Lower Costs

Farming kelp to sell as food, beauty products, fertilizer additives and other goods is a growing industry in Maine, but also a costly one. One key barrier for new farmers is a lack of cost-analysis tools to help reduce expenditures and develop sustainable business plans.