Graduation Date
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Natural Resources, option Fisheries
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Rafael Cuevas Uribe
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Jonathan van Senten
Second Committee Member Affiliation
Community Member or Outside Professional
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Laurie Richmond
Third Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Fourth Committee Member Name
Dr. Andrew Kinziger
Fourth Committee Member Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Cal Poly Humboldt, Aquaculture, Seaweed, West Coast seaweed aquaculture industry, Domestic aquaculture industry, Seaweed farming, Seaweed in the United States, Seaweed economics, Seaweed production, History of American seaweed farming, Profitability of American seaweed farms, Challenges for American seaweed farmers, History of global seaweed farming
Subject Categories
Fisheries
Abstract
Since the early 2010s, the seaweed aquaculture industry has steadily expanded in the United States, with states like Alaska, Maine, Hawaii, and Connecticut leading the way in the development of this emerging sector. However, information gaps remain concerning certain aspects of the domestic seaweed aquaculture industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the status of the seaweed aquaculture industry along the West Coast of the United States; specifically in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Seaweed farmers in these states were invited to voluntarily complete surveys asking important production, economic, and commercial questions regarding their operations. Data was collected and analyzed from nine West Coast seaweed farms. Collectively, these farms produced approximately 341,000 lbs (154,675 kg) (wet weight) of farmed seaweed in 2023. That same year, California ranked as the fourth-largest farmed seaweed producer in the United States. Analysis showed that several land-based West Coast seaweed farms involved in this study were profitable, particularly farms that cultivated Pacific Dulse (Devaleraea mollis). Pacific Dulse, Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), Sea Lettuce (Ulva), and Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) accounted for 60% of the farmed seaweed species produced by study participants in 2023. Key challenges for West Coast seaweed farmers included obtaining permits, navigating regulations, and limited market demand. Despite these challenges, 67% of farmers felt very optimistic or optimistic about the future of the West Coast seaweed aquaculture industry. Top recommendations for this industry include streamlining the regulatory process and expanding into new markets, including the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Donovan, Brian, "An economic and production analysis of seaweed farms in California and the Pacific Northwest" (2025). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2308.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2308
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