Cultivation of sugar kelp in Danish waters – best available technology, challenges and opportunities

Longline cultivation of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) has been performed at different scale in Limfjorden, Kattegat and the Belt Sea by commercial companies, maritime gardens and science institutions since 2008. The development of the hatchery methods and grow out design for the Best Available Technology, has enabled a biomass yield above 5 kg/m during one season in both Limfjorden and Horsens Fjord, which is comparable to other regions of Europe. However, the area specific biomass yield remains low. This talk will give an overview of the cultivation practices used for sugar kelp in Denmark by giving insight into the trials and developments made within the cultivation practices for the last 10 years and looking ahead, where the expectation is that the Best Available Technology can be further developed with focus on design of cultivation structures, multiple harvests and future use of breeding practices.