CARC2033: Research Design and Practice (RDP)

A technical feasibility study for the farming of Kelp

seaweed at Dover Port or similar sites.

1 Georgia Chatzimichali

Table of Contents:

Table of contents 02

Table of illustrations / figures 03

Introduction and Background 04

Objectives 04

Method 05

Kelp and its properties 06

Growing Kelp 08

Anatomy 10

Growing kelp: precedents 12

Vertical cultures 13

Horizontal cultures 14

Mixed cultures 15

The proposed Dover Docks project 16

Feasibility Issues 22

Substrata 23

Sea Urchin Population 23

Environment Location 23

Sunlight Availability 24

Sedimentation and water quality 26

Sea temperature 27

Water currents, nutrients, rainfall, turbidity 28

Tide and water depth 29

Proposed Prototype culture 30

Economic Feasibility 30

The Prototype 31

Models 33

Advantages 35

Conclusions 36

Limitations of the research and recommendations 36

Study Dissemination / Public Engagement 37

Bibliography 38

2

Table of Illustrations / Figures:

Illustration 01: View of the Dover Harbour 04

Illustration 02: Nutritional Properties of Kelp, Ocean Approved (2011) 06

Illustration 03: Timeline of processes involved in growing kelp 08

Illustration 04: Kelp Hatcheries (FAO, 2011), and Plantations (Carrell , 2008) 09

Illustration 05: Giant Kelp: life zones and anatomy, Hamner (2004) 10

Illustration 06: Kelp in a Natural Environment FAO (2011) 11

Illustration 07: Kelp Precedents 12

Illustration 08: Horizontal Cultures FAO (2011) 13

Illustration 09: Vertical Cultures FAO (2011) 14

Illustration 10: Mixed Cultures FAO (2011) 15

Illustration 11: Proposed Project Masterplan, Dover Western Docks 16

Illustration 12: Proposed Project Perspective View 18

Illustration 13: Proposed Project Perspective View (Shakespeare Beach) 20

Illustration 14: Geographic distribution of kelp forests Santelices (2007) 23

Illustration 15: Sun path study and diagrams 24

Illustration 16: Sunlight study over a year, www.sunearthtools.com (2011) 25

Illustration 17: Sample site locations, 3rd Draft Consultation Report, (2008) 26

Illustration 18: Dover’s Sea Water Temperatures (CEFAS / DEFRA 2011) 27

Illustration 19: Dover Port’s Current Directions, 3rd DCR (2008) 28

Illustration 20: FAO’s Proposed farming design (FAO, 2011) 28

Illustration 21: Demonstration of Dover Port’s Tide, Google (2006, 2011) 29

Illustration 22: Variation of tide waves height, Akwensivie, et al (2011) 29

Illustration 23: 3D perspective view of the proposed kelp farm platform 30

Illustration 24: Prototype design exploded view 31

Illustration 25: Prototype design Plan and Section 32

Illustration 26: Site model demonstrating the placement of the farm 33

Illustration 27: Images of the prototype kelp farm model 34

.

3

Introduction &

Background

This report is a supplement for the

proposed Dover western docks

redevelopment project.

The proposed project entails the

redevelopment of the site to create

two new terminals (one ferry and

one cruise terminal), a major

landscaping project along the

admiralty pier which incorporates

crops, gardens and a kelp farm as

well as marketplace spaces for the

sale of local produce and kelp

products.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine

the feasibility of developing a kelp

farm in a complex marine

environment such as the site of

Dover’s Western Docks.

The project examines the particular

site as a case study but considers all

the factors that must be addressed

in any similar environment.

Illustration 01: View of the Dover Harbour

4

Method

A feasibility study examines whether or

not a certain proposed action or

objective can be carried out in reality.

This particular project examines

whether or not it is possible to create a

kelp farm on a site such as the Dover

Western dock. The methodology used

in this study is a combination of

techniques both theoretical and

practical.

1. Literature analysis

Initially, a thorough analysis of

available research into the science of

growing kelp was conducted. This

enabled the development of an

understanding of the environmental

requirements of kelp to grow. The

research is mostly gathered through

academic sources in the areas of

marine biology, marine environment

and oceanographic sciences. This

research generated a series of

questions that need to be addressed

regarding the suitability of a site for a

kelp farm. These questions formulate

the foundation of the feasibility study.

2. Case Studies

Through examining cases of other kelp

farms and using them as precedents,

the extent of realism of the

requirements identified in the literature

analysis can be established.

3. Creation of a theoretical model

By collating the findings from the

literature and analysing precedents of

other kelp farms a theoretical model of

issues was created. These issues are

what needs to be examined in a

particular site to ensure the success of

a kelp farm.

4. Qualitative Input (expert interviews)

The potential lack or research in a

particular field such as kelp farming

can lead to gaps in a feasibility study,

so a number of outside sources can be

used to corroborate the findings or fill in

these gaps. In this particular project,

two interviews were conducted with

Kelp farming experts. Since knowledge

of kelp may not be sufficient without

an understanding of the particular

type of site (geographical or regional

eccentricities) the experts chosen were

also particularly knowledgeable of the

region (UK & surrounding isles). The

interviewees were provided with the

study / proposal and were asked to

make comments, corrections and to

provide input. Questions asked were

“probing” to investigate the feasibility

of the proposal – i.e. “would you

consider additional factors in this

study?” or “do you consider this water

cleanliness standard sufficient for kelp

farming in reality?”

The use of multiple methods ensures

the methodological rigidity of the

study. The use of multiple methods to

infer the same finding is also known as

“methodological triangulation” and

increases the reliability and validity of

the results of studies. “Triangulation –

the use of qualitative and quantitative

techniques together – can be very

powerful to gain insights and results, to

assist in making inferences and

drawing conclusions” (Fellows and Liu,

2008, p. 9-10)

Important comments from the

interviews are highlighted in italics

under relevant sections (see comment

below).

“Kelp and other seaweed

products are in growing

demand… people are

realising the nutritional

value of these powerfoods”

5

Kelp: Properties of Kelp (Laminaria Saccharina)

• Can grow as fast as half a metre per day

• Absorbs carbon dioxide

• Can be used as a very efficient biofuel

• Is one of the best agricultural fertilizers

• Has Incredible Nutritional Properties

Species of Laminaria found in the British Isles:

Laminaria digitata (Hudson) J.V. Lamouroux (Oarweed; Tangle)

Laminaria hyperborea (Gunnerus) Foslie (Curvie)

Laminaria ochroleuca Bachelot de la Pylaie

Laminaria saccharina (Linnaeus) J.V.Lamouroux (sea belt; sugar kelp; sugarwack)

Wikipedia, 2011

Kelp vs. Brown Rice - Fibre

Kelp Slaw 6.2 grams/100g wet weight

Brown Rice 3.8 grams/100g wet weight

Kelp vs. Whole Milk - Calcium

Kelp Slaw 364.7 mg/100g wet weight

Milk 115mg/100g wet weight

Kelp vs. Spinach - Iron

Kelp Slaw 45.6 mg/100g wet weight

Spinach 3.57 mg/100g wet weight

8

6

4

2

0

400

300

200

100

0

50

40

30

20

10

0

Kelp Slaw Cut Brown Rice Kelp Slaw Cut Milk Kelp Slaw Cut Spinach

g/1

00

g W

et

We

igh

t

g/1

00

g W

et

We

igh

t

g/1

00

g W

et

We

igh

t

Illustration 02: Nutritional Properties of Kelp, Ocean Approved Kelp Products (2011)

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Fertilizing Properties Seaweed, is one of the best materials for an earth garden. Kelp

helps the stimulation of soil bacteria. This increases fertility of the soil

by humus formation (which feeds on the bacteria), aeration and

moisture retention. In addition:

-Seed germination is improved

-Fruits and vegetables increase in nutritional value

-Plants develop more extensive roots, which means healthier

foliage, fruit and foliage

-Plants have a greater resistance to nematodes, disease and pests.

Carbon Killer Kelp cleanses the water of excess nutrients and absorbs carbon

dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Sustainable Growth Seaweed doesn't require arable land, fresh water or fertilizer. Kelp

grows swiftly -- 2 feet a day in some species - and produces no runoff or erosion

Biofuel Potential “Research has shown that chopped or ground seaweed can more

effectively be used in anaerobic digesters to produce methane

than terrestrial biomass, because seaweed contains no lignin and

little cellulose and converts rapidly to methane with high yields.“

(Christiansen, 2008)

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January

February

March

April

May

June July

August

September

October

November

December

Phase 1: Hatchery Phase 2: Kelp Farm

Seed Production Hatchery Facilities

Mid-July to Mid

November

Kelp Production Grow-out Period

Mid-November to Mid-

July

1. Collecting zoospores

2. Gameophyte rearing in greenhouse

3. Egg / Spermatozoid

4. Sporophyte

5. Rearing of young seedling in greenhouse

6. Transplantation of young sporophytes

7. Grow-out in floating raft

8. Harvesting

9. Dried products & instant food

10. Broodstock preparation

Growing Kelp: Kelp seaweed grows naturally in the environment, but as with all farming methods, it

is necessary to create a facility that ensures natural but fast and large scale

production. The kelp facilities required for farming and processing kelp are:

- The hatchery, where the spores are reared and seeded from mid July to

November

- The raft farming beds (plantation) where the kelp is farmed in the sea from

November to March

- Drying facilities, where the harvested kelp is taken in March for drying

- Further processing and quality control facilities in the case of commercial

packaging.

Illustration 03: Timeline of processes involved in growing kelp 8

Hatchery

Hatchery

Farm Plantation

The farm plantations can take many different

forms as this study will examine further on.

Typically a plantation can be placed in the

sea, accessible by boats or rafts. However,

other designs are similar to floating rafts that

can be tethered to a bay or pier. These are

accessible by land and do not require boat

access. Further processing and quality control

facilities in the case of commercial

packaging.

Hatcheries are like greenhouses so that light

can enter the structure and reach the spores.

These facilities are used to grow the spores

into reasonably young plants so that they are

healthy enough to withstand the less

protected environment of the sea farm.

Illustration 04: Kelp Hatcheries (FAO, 2011),

and Plantations (Carrell , 2008)

9

Illustration 05: Giant Kelp – Macrocystis pyrifera: life zones and

anatomy, Hamner (2004)

.

Anatomy

The top part of the Kelp seaweed requires sunlight whereas the central part

absorbs nutrients from the water. At the bottom, the seaweed attaches to a

rock form, the holdfast, so that it is not moved by currents. When designing a

Kelp farm, it is important to ensure that the top canopy zone receives sunlight,

and that the stipes zone receives nutrients through the existence of water

currents.

10

“Kelp forests grow along rocky coastlines in depths of

18 to 90 feet (6 to 30 meters). Kelps are types of brown

algae, which hold on to the rocky bottom with root-like

structures called holdfasts. From these holdfasts, long

streamers of kelp grow up toward the surface, with gas

bladders at each leaf to keep the plant upright.”

Office of Naval Research (2011)

“Modern Kelp farms

are designed with

the anatomy of the

Kelp in mind. Sun,

nutrients and the

substrate are the

basic components

for cultivation.

Illustration 06: Kelp in a Natural Environment FAO (2011)

11

1

2

3 4

Illustration 07: Kelp Precedents

1: The Hebridean Seaweed

Company, established in 2008 by

Martin Macleod, gatherer and

producer of seaweed. (Carrell,

2008)

2: Burning seaweed to produce

kelp, valued for its high potash

and soda content, was formerly

a significant industry in remote

coastal areas of Scotland and

elsewhere. Kelp ash has been

used in soap and glass

production and as a raw

material for iodine extraction.

(EVISA, 2006)

3: Divers near natural kelp at St

Abbs, Scotland. (Chelmsford

Diving Club, 2011)

4: Harvesting Laminaria

hyperborea in Norway. Beach-

cast material has been collected

for several decades in Ireland,

and in the United Kingdom from

the Outer Hebrides and Orkney

Islands. (FAO, 2011)

The feasibility of growing Kelp commercially in the UK is

underpinned by existing enterprises as well as past,

historical examples. These all illustrate that the UK

environment has particular sites that are suitable for

Kelp farming.

Growing Kelp: Precedents

12

Horizontal Culture The horizontal culture method is typically used in shallow water areas where there is higher

turbidity. The horizontal culture is the main method used in southern China, and is not

often found in the West. Horizontal culture ropes provide better sunlight to the plants

compared to vertical methods. According to FAO (2011) “In inshore areas with slower

currents, the use of this method allows the spreading of the plants more evenly in the

water, so that light intensity and nutrient exchange are optimized.” The main

disadvantage of this method is that there is a high occurrence of tangled plants and the

culture can be destroyed by stronger currents and rainfall, if the plants are placed

relatively close to the surface. This culture method would probably fail in the Dover site

due to the currents and would have a high maintenance cost (divers etc.).

Horizontal Cultures

Horizontal Cultures

Illustration 08: Horizontal Cultures FAO (2011)

13

Vertical Culture The vertical culture method is used in the West more than the East. “The

vertical culture is efficient in it’s use of space, and can fit more kelp in less

area. It is a simple, easily managed procedure (FAO, 2011) as it doesn’t require

divers to manage the farm. It has higher setup costs due to the investment in

the infrastructure but has lower management costs. “The spacing between

the kelp ropes allows currents to pass through them, thus stimulating

sporophyte growth. As the plants hang downwards on the kelp ropes they

shade each other from excess exposure to sunlight. However, because

illumination decreases with water depth, the plants at the lower ends of the

ropes may not get enough light to meet their requirements for good growth.” –

FAO (2011). This method could work at Dover Port, if it could be modified to

cope with the tide and provide better access to sunlight.

Vertical Cultures

Vertical Cultures

Illustration 09: Vertical Cultures FAO (2011)

14

Mixed cultures

“Methods vary. I mostly

collect what I find

grows naturally – that is

what my customers

want… I don’t need

great quantities but

what’s fresh and

available…

Illustration 10: Mixed Cultures FAO (2011)

Mixed Culture The mixed culture method is a combination of the vertical and horizontal culture

methods and is often found in Japan and China. In this approach, ropes are

hanged vertically and then put into a horizontal position. “All plants receive well-

balanced light, and thus variations in growth and weight are reduced. Furthermore,

the vertical-horizontal method is less labour-intensive than the hanging kelp rope

raft method because it does not require periodic reversals of the kelp ropes. In this

system, adjustments of the connecting ropes usually need to be done only once a

month.” – FAO (2011). However, this method requires lower turbidity, something that

is not the case with Dover’s Port. The combination of methods to produce a

custom, mixed method however is an approach that can benefit a unique site like

Dover.

The figure below shows a culture system that is used in Japan. According to FAO

(2011), “in order to prevent stronger illumination scorching the kelp plants, the main

ropes are installed 2 m beneath the water surface.”

15

Illustration 11: Proposed Project

Masterplan, Dover Western

Docks – Admiralty Pier

Shakespeare Beach

Kelp Farming

Platform 1

Cruise Ship

Terminal

Ferry Terminal &

Marketplace

Kelp Hatchery &

Processing Facilities

Kelp Drying

Stands

16

Kelp Farming

Platform 2 17

Underwater Culture The kelp plantation along the length of the Admiralty pier can produce up to 10

Kilometres length of Kelp.

Kelp Drying Stands Farmed Kelp needs to be dried before it can be further processed. Hanging the 5 metre tall sections from the hanging stand in the sun is the most natural way of drying kelp.

The Hatchery Kelp needs to be grown and reproduced in a hatchery before it is placed in the kelp culture. This is done in a hatchery, in water tanks that are protected in a greenhouse that allows natural sunlight in.

Processing Facilities This is where the kelp is processed into various product forms for food or other products such as iodine, soap or beauty products

Illustration 12: Proposed Project

Perspective View

18

Underwater Culture The kelp plantation along the length of the Admiralty pier can produce up to 10

Kilometres length of Kelp.

Kelp Drying Stands Farmed Kelp needs to be dried before it can be further processed. Hanging the 5 metre tall sections from the hanging stand in the sun is the most natural way of drying kelp.

The Hatchery Kelp needs to be grown and reproduced in a hatchery before it is placed in the kelp culture. This is done in a hatchery, in water tanks that are protected in a greenhouse that allows natural sunlight in.

Processing Facilities This is where the kelp is processed into various product forms for food or other products such as iodine, soap or beauty products

19

Illustration 13: Proposed Project

Perspective View from

Shakespeare Beach

20

21

Now that the background information regarding

Kelp has been outlined, this study proceeds to

determine the feasibility of growing kelp in a marine

environment similar to Dover Port.

Dayton (1985), in his study of Kelp ecologies, has

outlined the following issues: Light, substrata and

sedimentation, nutrients, water motion, salinity and

temperature. These findings are also individually

highlighted in other research as well and the

corroborating literature is outlined for each of these

feasibility constraints in the table below

Feasibility Constraint Literature Documentation

Sunlight availability Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)(2011)

Dayton (1985)

Guyiry (2011)

Algaebase (2011)

Fuller (1999)

Substrata Dayton (1985)

FAO (2011)

Sedimentation, salinity and

water quality

FAO (2011)

Dayton (1985)

Botana (2000)

Nutrients Dayton (1985)

FAO (2011)

Water motion, currents,

rainfall and turbidity

Dayton (1985)

Freiwald (2009)

FAO (2011)

Sea Temperature FAO (2011)

Dayton (1985)

Freiwald (2009)

Guyiry (2011)

Algaebase (2011)

Low sea urchin population Ford and Meux, (2009)

Fuller (1999)

Tide and water depth FAO (2011)

Santelices (2007)

Environment location Freiwald (2009)

Santelices (2007)

Fuller (1999)

Fish and Fish (1989)

“Sunlight, clean

water, the right

temperature and,

of course, the right

location. For a farm,

currents are also

very important.”

Feasibility Issues:

22

Substrata

For some kelp species, the substrate of the seabed can be an issue, however for the

Laminaria Saccharina sub-species, a reasonable holdfast is sufficient (Food and

Agriculture Organisation, 2011). Most Laminaria Saccharina plantations are not tied

close to the seabed, and I this particular project the proposed prototype keeps the

kelp floating above the seabed. In addition, in most of these plantations, like in the

proposed prototype, the kelp plants use a rocky substrate for the holdfast – this is done

in-vitro at the hatchery, and then the plant with the holdfast are placed in the sea.

This is the standard practice for kelp farming so it is not a realistic concern.

Sea Urchin Population

A small marine ecosystem including urchins is recorded to exist in the Dover Port,

according to the draft consultation report, which indicates that the waters are

relatively clean. Large sea urchin populations destroy kelp forests (Ford and Meux,

2009 and Fuller, 1999). It is unknown whether a growing sea urchin population will result

in the destruction of the kelp farm in the future, as it is in most sites. This is something

that can mostly be tested for after in-situ test plantations, where the population of sea

urchins can be monitored.

Environment Location

Various kelp varieties grow across the world – they will not grow in certain locations

due to ecosystem constraints. Separate studies by Santelices (2007) and Freiwald

(2009), have shown that Laminaria type kelp (including the proposed Laminaria

Saccharina sub-species) grow in the location of the British Isles. Fish and Fish (1989)

have also stated that “Laminaria Saccharina is widely distributed in North-west Europe

(p 45).

Illustration 14: Geographic distribution of kelp forests in surface (green

lines) and deep (red lines) waters, Santelices (2007)

23

Sunlight availability

Kelp and other seaweeds require the existence of sunlight to grow. Too much

or too little sunlight can rot the seaweed, and it is important that the kelp

plantation gets an equal and shared amount of light to reduce variation in

production. (Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2011; Dayton,1985; Guyiry,

2011; Algaebase, 2011; Fuller, 1999).

The Sun path for the Dover Admiralty pier site is ideal. From sunrise to sunset,

the plantation receives the maximum sunlight possible compared to any other

potential site arrangement. The Southward facing plantation also has the

advantage that it is outside the boundaries of port traffic, so rarely will there

be any risk of shade by obstruction.

To reduce the risk of kelp-rot during high temperature, the proposed design

allows for the kelp plantation to be lowered into deeper water where there is

less sunlight. Additionally, the proposed prototype uses a steeped (angled)

design that shares the light equally among the plants (explained in detail

under the prototype section)

North Sun Path

Sun Diagram:

21/06/2011

Sun Diagram:

21/12/2011

Illustration 15: Sun path study and diagrams. 24

Sun Chart

The above sunlight study

demonstrates that the particular

southward-facing kelp farm will have

the advantage of maximum sunlight.

The proposed prototype uses the

principles used in solar panel

installations (i.e. optimizing the sun-

facing angles). The principles are

used as well in the prototype’s

underwater steeped design so that

all kelp plants can share the sunlight

equally at their canopy level.

Illustration 16: Sunlight study calculated over a year,

www.sunearthtools.com (2011)

“One of the most

crucial factors is the

existence of sunlight.

Too much sun means

higher water

temperatures, or too

little sun and the rays

won’t reach a

reasonable depth…”

25

Kelp and other seaweed farms require a

relatively clean water environment, free

from heavy metals and pollutants, sediment

deposition, sewage eutrophication,

industrial contaminants, agricultural

chemical runoff or waste, anti-fouling

chemicals used in harbours and land-based

pathogens.

However, Kelp can often be found to

naturally develop forests close to ports and

other urban environments that have

suffered pollution. Such a case is that of

Santa Monica Bay, California, which had

suffered from sewage pollution in the 1980’s

(Ford and Meux, 2009).

Dover port has collected samples from nine

sites, including the farm site. The samples

were analysed for a range of water quality

parameters including: temperature, pH,

salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, total

suspended solids, total coliforms, faecal

coliforms, faecal streptococci and

salmonella. The water quality monitoring

programme has demonstrated that, in the

last five years, water is generally of good

quality (3rd Draft Consultation Report, p7.)

The suitability of Dover’s Admiralty Pier for a

kelp farm site would require further detailed

study to establish the exact level of these

chemicals and pollutants and perhaps an

experimental culture across these site

locations, and to rule out the potential of

Harmful Algal Bloom due to toxicity

(Botana, 2000). If the quality is found to be

unsuitable for edible purposes, the kelp can

be used for fuel of other products.

Sedimentation and Water Quality

Illustration 17: Sample site locations, 3rd Draft Consultation Report (2008), p7

“Kelp can absorb all sorts of pollutants… That’s why for

edible kelp you need clear waters… For other uses like

biofuel or water purification you don’t have to be very

particular – but you will still need to run tests …” 26

“farmed [at Dover port] for

food?....I don’t think so

with all that shipping....”

Sea Temperature

If Kelp is left in water that reaches 21° it will start to rot (FAO, 2011). Dover’s sea level

temperature has always remained below 20° Celsius for almost a century.. The

temperatures of the Dover water environment are ideal for Kelp farming. Dover’s sea

temperature peaks in August reaching 17° Celsius on average, which means that if a

site has sufficient lighting and no other factors affect the water temperature of the site,

the natural sea temperature is ideal for the farming of Kelp.

21º

21º

Average Annual Temp.

Historic Temperatures

Illustration 18: Dover’s Sea Water Temperatures as monitored by CEFAS /

DEFRA Station 18. Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science,

(CEFAS / DEFRA 2011) 27

Water currents, nutrients, rainfall, turbidity

It is important that there is a good flow of currents through the plantation so as to

allow the flow of nutrients and the stimulation of sporophytes (FAO, 2011). In

addition, water turbidity needs to be relatively low, or else the seaweed can be

damaged. Also, rainfall can rot the kelp seaweed if the plantation is too shallow

where the rainwater concentration can be higher. The sedimentation and

hydraulic study below (3rd Draft Consultation Report, p13.) illustrates the way in

which the currents will go through the plantation, in parallel with the Admiralty pier,

feeding nutrients and stimulating sporophytes, without damaging the Kelp or

tangling the ropes. This is in accordance with the FAO (2011) guidelines for Kelp

farming, as illustrated further below.

Illustration 19: Dover Port’s Current Directions,

3rd Draft Consultation Report (2008), p13.

Illustration 20:

FAO’s Proposed farming

design: currents run

through the plantation, not

against it. (FAO, 2011)

28

12 Month Tidal Height at Dover (metres) 7 6

5 4 3 2 1 0

Illustration 21: Demonstration of Dover Port’s Tide, Google Earth (2006, 2011)

Illustration 22: Demonstration of the variation of the sea level height due to the tide at Dover ,Akwensivie, et al (2011)

Tide and water depth. The tide high water and low water levels at Shakespeare bay are expected to affect

the depth needed for the Kelp plantation to work properly. That is why the farm is to

be placed further down the admiralty pier where waters are deeper. The depth

changes with the tide, so the farm can’t remain at a set depth but it will use a flotation

technique so that it always remains under water. Kelp grows in depths of 6 to 30

metres, which makes this location ideal.

29

Proposed Design:

Economic feasibility

The design proposed is a hybrid design that

is specifically tailored to meet the

advantages of the site. As cost is a very

important aspect of any farming

operation, this design aims to reduce the

farming cost of kelp by automating certain

processes. In the Far East, kelp farming is a

labour intense procedure that can be

carried out because of low labour cost.

The proposed design takes into

consideration the unique aspects of the

site so that the labour intense farming

operations are helped by the creation of a

very efficient system.

As the interviewed expert pointed out, the

absence of a set up cost is an advantage,

but it also means that there is a high

maintenance cost. The underpinning

concept of the Dover Port Kelp Farm is that

it is a single set up cost, with minimum

maintenance costs. This makes is more

sustainable in the long term and

competitive against lower wage, labour

intensive Asian kelp imports.

Proposed Prototype Culture

Illustration 23: 3D perspective view of the admiralty pier and kelp farm platform

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it will never be a viable project to make money

unless you are selling the most expensive, inedible

seaweed in the world. What's to stop some one

else doing the same just up the coast from Dover

port where the water quality is better and there is

no set up cost?“

Individual Wooden Racks for 16 Kelp

ropes each (850x750x40cm)

Kelp ropes of at least 6 metres depth

(increasing depth by 20cm each

towards the South to allow sunlight

to reach all plants). At the bottom of

each kelp line there is 400g holdfast

weight .

Wooden structure platform

(2075x200x40cm)

Plastic coated expanded

polystyrene foam blocks

(2075x200x4150cm)

Reinforced concrete columns (45cm

diameter) Illustration 24: Prototype design exploded view

31

Proposed Design: The Prototype The design of the prototype farming system is the first of it’s kind. It is unique

as it aims to reduce the need for labour and divers for the management of

the plantation and it also solves a problem that is unique to the site in

particular – the issue of the tide.

0m 5m 10m

Prototype Plan

Prototype Section

The sloped variation on the kelp rope height is visible in this section of the

prototype. By lowering the Southward most ropes, the sun can reach the

Northern most kelp plants at the back. This is only necessary at the canopy

level, which absorbs the sunlight.

Illustration 25: Prototype design Plan and Section

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Illustration 26: Site model

demonstrating the placement

of the prototype farm in site

context

33

Illustration 27:

Images of the

prototype kelp

farm model

34

Simple, Effective Production The fact that the plantation

structure is afloat and provides

walking space for workers means

that there is no need for diving

because the work can be done

above the surface of the sea. This

also means that there is no need

for boats or nets. The floating

structure can lift the kelp ropes

into and out of the water using

simple levers which makes the

process much faster, safer and less

dependent on workers.

Suiting the Location The plantation is placed in

parallel with the Admiralty pier,

which means that the currents

flow in parallel with the seaweed,

feeding them nutrients and

reducing the chances of the

ropes getting tangled. The depth

is ideal between 6 and 30 metres

from the surface and the sun path

ensures that the kelp gets all the

sun it needs. The water

temperature is perfect, never

going higher than 21° and the

water is free from heavy metals,

toxins or other pollutants that

could harm the plantation.

Optimum Sunlight To get the best of the Vertical and

Horizontal methods, a mixed

approach for the kelp cultures

would be ideal. Unfortunately, the

Japanese mixed method could

not be properly carried out due to

the tide and the labour

requirements. For that reason, the

custom design was created. This

incorporates the strengths of all

models combined:

Each line of kelp ropes on the

South is lower by 30 cm compared

to it’s parallel rope on the North.

This allows the kelp to get the

necessary sunlight from the top of

the plant along each and every

row of ropes. A good distance

between these ropes reduces the

chance of the ropes getting

tangled. As the currents are

constantly facing the parallel

direction all plants get the

nutrients they need.

High and Low Tide The existence of the tide means

that the plantation needs to

remain at a certain depth, which

changes twice a day with the tide.

With greatly varying levels that

can vary up to 10 metres in depth,

the plantation is not anchored to

the seabed but remains afloat so

that the distance from the sea

surface is always the same. This is

achieved through the creation of

a series of cylindrical poles in

parallel to the admiralty pier, on to

which the plantation structure is

attached. The plantation structure

is a floating device that moves up

and down with the tide, and is

locked in position through these

cylindrical columns. Hence, this

platform is always at the right

depth for the plantation to grow

properly.

Proposed Prototype: Advantages

35

Conclusions

In conclusion, the project is not optimal,

but it is indeed feasible, with some

potential constraints for the purpose of the

kelp.

The evaluation of the key issues affecting

the feasible growth of Kelp at the port of

Dover suggest that the issues are

successfully addressed by the site and the

proposed prototype. Every single issue

and requirement, with the possible

exception of the water quality, appears to

be satisfied by the site’s conditions. The

issue of water quality appears satisfactory

according to the draft consultation report

(2007), however will require further studies.

In addition, it is demonstrated that in other

sites such as California’s Santa Monica

Bay, where pollution was a major

concern, Kelp growth was still strong. In

the British Isles, there are numerous sites

which have reported kelp growth, which is

encouraging and with the other issues

addressed in this study, the growth of Kelp

at this site is feasible.

Limitations of the

research and

recommendations

Since the study does not incorporate a

water quality analysis specific for the

growth of kelp for edible purposes, It is

recommended that a series of detailed

water quality tests are conducted for the

specific elements that may be conducive

to the growth of Kelp at the Dover Port

site.

The research is based on available

literature and the empiric knowledge of

existing kelp farmers. However, there may

be various factors that may not have

been scientifically documented in the

literature reviewed, or may not be

applicable to the particular region and

site environment. Since kelp farming is not

widespread in the UK, prior to engaging

into a full site development, it is advisable

that a small number of kelp plants are

placed for growth in situ, to eliminate the

risk of potentially unknown factors

affecting the feasibility of the proposed

plantations. One of these factors could

be, for instance, the explosion of a sea

urchin population that may follow kelp

growth and could lead to the destruction

of kelp plantations.

After a proposed six-month growth study

in the proposed Dover Port location that

may yield positive results, it is highly unlikely

that the growth of Kelp would not be

feasible.

36

"it will never be a viable

project to make money

unless you are selling the

most expensive, inedible

seaweed in the world.

What's to stop some one

else doing the same just

up the coast from Dover

port where the water

quality is better and there

is no set up cost?“

“Feasible? Yes. But not the

best choice. If you have to

use the location it will work

but if you don’t why not

choose a better place if

you can? “I can’t say [if it will work]

to be honest… I’ve heard

of a similar idea before. In

theory it could… why

not?” I’d start with a trial

first to see if the location is

good first. Then I’d try the

[prototype] farm…”

Study Dissemination /

Public Engagement

This study has been disseminated to the

public and engaged with via:

Experts: directly via interviews. Five experts

contributed information and input:

1 – Kelp enthusiast, diver and blogger

2 – Environmental activist, kelp expert

3 – Kelp farmer

4 – Kelp enthusiast, expert

5 – Kelp farmer, diver

Local Public: via press releases to the local Dover

media (Dover Express and Dover

Mercury)

Wider Public: via blog: (KelpDover.blogspot.com)

37

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39