Funding for Kelp Enhancement

BC Extreme Weather Preparedness for Aquaculture (EWP) Program

BC will match up to $35 000 for aquaculture producers to implement Extreme Weather Preparedness Initiatives in aquaculture.

Kelp enhancement around raft and shore-based oyster aquaculture can provide several benefits in protecting against extreme weather conditions such as high wind, waves, and extreme heat.

Wave and Wind Mitigation:

· Kelp acts as a natural buffer, absorbing the energy of waves and reducing their impact on oyster rafts and shore-based structures.

· The dense canopy of kelp helps dissipate wind force, creating a barrier and minimizing the potential for damage to aquaculture infrastructure.

· The presence of kelp can help break up wave action, reducing the risk of erosion and maintaining stability along the shoreline.

Temperature Regulation:

· Kelp provides shade and cover, reducing direct exposure to sunlight and mitigating heat stress on oyster beds.

· The dense kelp canopy helps regulate water temperatures by providing a cooling effect through evaporation and reducing the risk of thermal stress on oysters.

Enhanced Ecosystem Resilience:

· Kelp forests serve as valuable ecosystems that support biodiversity, providing habitats for various marine organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and microorganisms.

· The presence of kelp enhances overall ecosystem resilience, promoting the natural balance of the marine environment and benefiting the entire coastal ecosystem.

Carbon Sequestration:

· Kelp is a highly efficient carbon sequester, absorbing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the surrounding water column.

· By enhancing kelp populations around oyster aquaculture, carbon sequestration is increased, contributing to mitigating climate change impacts and ocean acidification.

Water Quality Improvement:

· Kelp acts as a natural filter, improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and reducing the risk of eutrophication.

· The presence of kelp helps maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem by reducing the occurrence of harmful algal blooms and promoting clearer water conditions.

Overall, kelp enhancement around raft and shore-based oyster aquaculture provides physical protection, temperature regulation, ecosystem resilience, carbon sequestration, and water quality improvement. By integrating kelp into aquaculture practices, businesses can enhance the sustainability and resilience of their operations while benefiting the surrounding marine environment. Biochar and Kelp enhancement indirectly promote fire smart activities and by sourcing biochar feedstock from local Woodfibre resources, including arborists and fire smart collection opportunities.

BC Climate Ready Seafood Program

A new program will focus on preventing the effects of climate change on B.C.’s oceans and watersheds, and protecting seafood and marine life.

“The impacts of climate change are affecting our province’s coastal waters, and we are working closely with Indigenous communities, the federal government and conservation organizations to look at long-term goals to combat ocean acidification,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “The Climate Ready BC Seafood Program will provide us with insight to adapt to and mitigate this immediate challenge as we continue working together to ensure sustainable B.C. fisheries for decades to come.”

The Province recently completed the British Columbia Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (BC OAH) Action Plan in response to a preliminary assessment that identified ocean acidification as a significant climate-change risk to B.C.’s seafood sector.

The Climate Ready BC Seafood Program will target funding toward high-priority actions identified in the BC OAH Action Plan, such as:

· research and scientific understanding of acidification and hypoxia;

· marine carbon removal technologies; and

· development and testing of acidification and hypoxia mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Links:

Read the BC OAH Action Plan: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/download/91B75C87A0A14521A490CDE8CC3BB70E

The BC OAH Action Plan is supported by a comprehensive scientific assessment: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/download/A88625836B9843DFB3ED91DF71F9B9F8

Tula Foundation: https://tula.org/

Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre: https://oceandecadenortheastpacific.org/

Kelp Enhancement for First Nations

Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. This application is due by October 2023 and can provide funds for planning and implementation for infrastructure like biochar kilns, kelp bioreactors, kelp drying sheds, goat feedlot/sheds and greenhouses.

Grant Applications and Implementation

Contact BC Timber Goats to learn more about Goats, biochar and kelp enhancement and how you can integrate those sustainable enterprises into your business. info@bctimergoat.ca

Kelp products

Kelp Net Fertilizer and Mineral Supplement

Kelp, also known as seaweed, is an excellent mineral supplement in agriculture due to its rich composition of essential nutrients and minerals. Some of the key factors that make kelp a great mineral supplement include:

Abundance of minerals: Kelp absorbs and concentrates a wide range of minerals from the ocean, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and iodine. These minerals are vital for plant growth and development.
Organic matter: Kelp is a natural and organic source of nutrients, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for agricultural use.
Growth-promoting substances: Kelp contains growth hormones and other bioactive compounds that can enhance plant growth, improve stress resistance, and increase crop yields.
Soil improvement: When used as a soil amendment, kelp can enhance soil structure and water retention, promoting overall soil health and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Agricultural industries that can benefit the most from adopting kelp mineral supplementation in their production practices include:

Crop farming: Kelp can be used as a foliar spray or soil amendment in crop farming, providing essential nutrients to plants and increasing their resilience against environmental stressors.
Horticulture: Nursery plants, ornamental gardens, and greenhouse crops can also benefit from kelp supplements to improve growth and health.
Hydroponics and aquaponics: Kelp extracts can be used in hydroponic and aquaponic systems to support nutrient uptake and enhance the growth of various crops.
Livestock farming: Some studies suggest that adding kelp to livestock feed can improve the animals' overall health and enhance their immune systems.

The capacity building in kelp agriculture in British Columbia (BC) can lead to several economic, environmental, social, and governance benefits:

Economic benefits:

New revenue streams: Kelp farming and the production of kelp-based agricultural supplements can create new economic opportunities for farmers and coastal communities.
Job creation: The establishment of kelp farms and processing facilities would generate jobs in rural areas, contributing to local economic development.
Export potential: BC's kelp products could be exported to other regions or countries, providing an opportunity for international trade.

Environmental benefits:

Carbon sequestration: Kelp is an efficient carbon sink, meaning it can absorb and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping combat climate change.
Ecosystem support: Kelp farms can act as artificial reefs, providing habitat and protection for marine life, thereby enhancing biodiversity in coastal waters.

Social benefits:

Community engagement: Kelp farming could involve collaboration with Indigenous communities and other local stakeholders, promoting community involvement and sustainable practices.
Food security: Kelp-based agricultural supplements can contribute to enhanced crop yields and food production, supporting food security initiatives.

Governance benefits:

Sustainable agriculture: Capacity building in kelp agriculture aligns with sustainable development goals, promoting responsible and eco-friendly farming practices.
Regulation and monitoring: Proper governance would ensure that kelp farming and harvesting are carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner, preventing any negative impacts on marine ecosystems.

Overall, investing in kelp agriculture in BC can foster a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector while contributing positively to the environment and local communities. However, it is essential to strike a balance between the potential benefits and ensuring that kelp farming is conducted responsibly to safeguard marine ecosystems.