The Kachemak Kelp Innovation Hub is a mission-driven, Alaskan-run initiative established to address two factors limiting the growth of seaweed mariculture in Alaska: a lack of ready and efficient processing, and limited markets.
The Hub directly supports regenerative seaweed farms in Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet by testing new approaches to processing, seeking out new markets, and sharing results and information with others. Our ultimate goal is to foster the development of an Alaska industry that’s healthy for oceans, people and the planet.
As part of this broader initiative, we buy, process, and sell locally grown seaweed and seaweed products.
Finding & Sharing Solutions through Applied Research
We are continually testing and improving cost-effective, dockside seaweed processing solutions. We collaborate and work with a range of partners to refine processing approaches and research, develop value-added kelp products and markets, and share what we learn.
Beginning in 2022, we have focused on developing and testing energy efficient methods of stabilizing kelp post-harvest, including drying in a high tunnel greenhouse modified with supplemental air circulation, heat and dehumidifying capacity. We are also running trials to test the efficiency and effectiveness of different types of dryers, and different approaches to kelp stabilization.
Our work to increase market access includes connecting with existing businesses buying minimally processed kelp as a food or nutraceutical ingredient, for incorporating in textiles, bioplastics, or soil amendments, and as animal feed supplements. We’ve also developed and produced a collection of kelp seasonings and are working with partners to explore local production of skin care and plant biostimulant applications using Alaskan seaweed.
Boosting the Economy
We support local kelp farmers with fair prices and strong partnerships, leverage existing local infrastructure and talent in and around our working waterfront community, and cultivate new and existing markets.
Our Products
Great Taste. Deep Purpose.
Our native kelp is grown and harvested from the cool, clean, nutrient-rich waters of Kachemak Bay, Alaska, by farmers who practice zero-input, regenerative aquaculture – using only locally sourced seed, saltwater and sun. We dry and process it right off the docks in Homer, Alaska, to create premium quality, locally produced products that add richness to your meals and goodness to the earth and coastal economies.
Premium Dried Kelp
We offer premium dried Alaska Kombu (Sugar) kelp and Alaska Wakame (Ribbon) kelp – milled and whole leaf. Seasonally we have a limited selection of other species available. Please contact us for availability and pricing.
Ready-to-Eat Retail Products
These umami-rich, nutrient-packed seasonings and dried kelp varieties make it easy to sprinkle goodness and a taste of Kachemak Bay on your meals. Currently available at Salmon Sisters. If you'd like to see them fly off your shelves, contact us for wholesale pricing.
Bath & Beauty Products
Introducing Selkie Soak – our luxurious sugar kelp-infused mineral bath with soothing calendula petals.
Alaska grown sugar kelp provides unique emollient compounds, marine minerals and nutrients that support collagen production and healthy, well-hydrated skin.while magnesium-rich mineral salt promotes relaxation, and calendula adds powerful antioxidants to this soothing bath soak.
Find a Retailer
Look for Kachemak Kelp retail products at these fine stores – or contact us for wholesale opportunities.
Meet The Farmers
We currently source our kelp from three small family farms in Kachemak Bay and an Alaska Native community farm at Island Passage. They grow native Sugar and Ribbon Kelp using a zero-input, seeded line method requiring no fresh water, no arable land, and no fertilizer.
Spinnaker Sea Farms
Owned and operated by Lindsay and Leah Olsen, this second-generation family farm is nestled in the secluded waters of Jakolof Bay where they grow oysters and seaweed. Visit Spinnaker Sea Farms.
Ebb Tide Ocean Farms
Inspired by the prospect of regenerative farming close to home, Evie Witten & Rand Hagenstein founded their family-run kelp farm in Halibut Cove. They’re also part of the Kachemak Kelp Innovation Hub team.
Snug Harbor Seafoods
Brenda Dale has been involved in commercial fisheries and growing oysters at her site in Halibut Cove for many years. Now she’s diversifying her farm by cultivating native kelp.
Island Passage Farm
A new seaweed farm near Island Passage attained its permit in 2023 and will be run by community members from the Alaska Native villages of Nanwalek and Port Graham. We are working closely with the APMI (Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute) to support this new initiative and look forward to purchasing and processing their kelp.
COMING SOON: In 2024, we hope to also source seaweed from additional established shellfish growers in Kachemak Bay and any other new farms in the area.
Our Team
The Kachemak Kelp Innovation Hub is a collaborative initiative established by Kathryn Carovano at Saltwater Inc. and Evie Witten at Regeneration North LLC, and bolstered by an awesome seasonal crew. Our team has deep ties to Alaska, the ocean, and Kachemak Bay. We have combined experience as entrepreneurs, kelp farmers, ecologists, former commercial fishermen, and people with decades of experience in fishery and ocean monitoring, research, and conservation.
We got involved in processing and marketing seaweed as a climate-positive way to support our coastal communities and the small-scale, family businesses that are such an important part of them.
Kelp Collaborators
The Kachemak Kelp Innovation Hub is supported in part through a NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy award, and grants from the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF), Alaska Blue Economy Center, and the Southeast Conference.
We are proud to be part of a collaborative network that also includes:
Contact Us
Contact us with any questions, ideas, wholesale inquiries, and/or collaborative opportunities you’d like to explore. And be sure to follow us on Instagram!
