We’re excited to share some great news from the Citizen Science Project for Seaweed Cultivation in Kiel Bay! Initiated and supported by the German pilots of ULTFARMS, this initiative brings together local students from Lernwerft – Club of Rome, who are actively contributing to innovative marine research and production in the area.
A Unique Approach to Seaweed Cultivation
This initiative focuses on exploring the untapped potential of marinas, specifically those in Kiel Bay, for seaweed cultivation. During the winter season, many marinas remain unused, offering the perfect opportunity to leverage these spaces for brown macroalgae growth, which thrives during the colder months. By using these dormant spaces, the project combines citizen engagement with practical research work in a truly unique way.
The Innovative System
The students have been involved in the development of a portable, easy-to-handle seaweed cultivation system, designed by the Research and Development Centre Kiel GmbH. This system is made to fit into the vacant boat slots in Marina A, allowing seaweed to be cultivated in a previously underutilized area.
Hands-On Learning Experience
Through this citizen science project, the pupils are gaining hands-on experience with aquaculture seeding techniques. They are using twine and direct seeding methods to grow the seaweed, with the collected data allowing direct comparison between these approaches. Before deployment, the students were involved in triggering the production of zoospores (as indicated by the red arrows) and cultivating juvenile seaweed from locally collected material.
Looking Ahead
As the initiative progresses, the students will be monitoring the growth of the macroalgae throughout the season. This is a fantastic example of how community involvement and innovative research can go hand in hand, while contributing valuable insights into sustainable seaweed cultivation practices. Stay tuned for more updates as the pupils track their progress and gain invaluable experience in marine science.
© Credits of Algae Foto: Kieler Meeresfarm GmbH & Co. KG
