About

Ecosystem services are contributions made that both directly and indirectly support human well-being and continual life on this planet. This is a list that is by no means complete, as the benefits of seaweed, seagrass, and shellfish is ever growing:

Seaweed, seagrass, and kelp

• Sequester carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Provide habitat and refuge for nearshore forage fish, including ESA-listed Cherry Point Herring, and ESA-listed salmonids
• Mitigate localized ocean acidification
• Improve water quality, minimizing risk for eutrophication

Blue Mussels

• Provide structural habitat
• Nutrient recycling and storage
• Biofiltration, improving clarity and purifying the marine waters
• Used as an environmental monitor for marine biotoxins

Kelp is in the family of brown algae and contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. These include:

• Vitamins- A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K
• Minerals- Bromine, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and selenium
• Other essentials- Antioxidants, electrolytes, fiber, melatonin, protein, phycopolymers, and phytochemicals  

Not only are seaweeds and kelps nutritious for humans but also for livestock. Adding seaweed to feed not only supplies vital nutrients and minerals, but also has shown to protect against pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and Staph. Studies have also shown that seaweeds, when added to cattle diets, can reduce methane production by as much as 98%. This could have vast potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Having one of the first commercial seaweed farms in Washington will provide a local food source for Washingtonians and could create jobs for the communities of Whatcom County. As food production increases, mariculture could be a key player in how we can combat climate change and feed the world.