Kelp Ark

Seaweed Biobanking

Kelp Ark is on a mission to future-proof our oceans. Founded in 2022, this dynamic non-profit organization aims to preserve the genetic diversity of marine macroalgae (seaweed) with a cutting-edge global seaweed biobank that will secure the future of over 2,600 macroalgae specimens and their associated microbiomes.

Partnering with the Universities of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Southern California, Kelp Ark is laying the foundation for marine conservation efforts that will protect keystone species and high-potential seaweed crops from the ongoing existential threats of warming oceans and the impact of human activity. Its work also helped counteract the potentially devastating effect of the recent California wildfires on coastal ecosystems through the spread of ash, debris and toxins like arsenic. This collection will provide vital resources for future seaweed farmers, restoration projects, and scientific advancements.

Their approach focuses on creating a seed bank that is accessible, equitable, and transparent so that wild-seaweed-bed restorers and farmers around the world have reliable, high-quality genetic material to support their efforts. Kelp Ark is harnessing the potential of seaweed to address globally significant societal challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and biodiverse future for our oceans and the people who depend on them. Stay up to date on their work here and learn more.

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