Cultivation for Conservation: Assessing Kelp’s Carbon Sequestration Potential and Farm Design Options for the Kwiakah First Nation’s Aquaculture Initiative

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This report provides a focused literature review on the ecological, carbon sequestration, and design considerations surrounding kelp aquaculture in British Columbia, tailored to support the Kwiakah Nation’s goal of developing non-extractive ocean-based economic opportunities. The primary focus is on bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), an ecologically foundational species in BC’s waters that forms seasonal underwater forests supporting biodiversity, water quality, and carbon cycling. Bull kelp exhibits rapid growth and significant CO₂ uptake during its short life cycle, making it a candidate for nature-based climate solutions. However, much of this carbon is quickly recycled back into the environment through grazing and microbial breakdown. Recent research suggests that sediment burial beneath kelp farms may offer a more lasting sequestration pathway. This has prompted growing interest in kelp farming as a “blue carbon” strategy, though real-world sequestration rates vary widely, and many current large-scale farms have not been designed to maximize carbon storage. This review integrates findings across various sources to identify best practices that could inform a culturally grounded and ecologically cautious approach to kelp aquaculture. Specific recommendations include: selecting sites that avoid sensitive habitats, integrating kelp with species like shellfish through multi-trophic systems and designing farms that preserve ecosystem function and minimize disturbance to the ocean floor.