Rewilding Namibian oceans on Dutch innovation

The cultivation of giant kelp forests can break this vicious cycle by absorbing vast amounts of CO2, resulting in better water quality through deacidification and supporting the re-establishment of many marine species by providing a safe and nutritious habitat.

Kelp Blue will do this by its innovative, large-scale offshore giant kelp farm. Kelp Blue uses its vision to rewild our oceans. The main goal is climate impact, rather than food production. To make this economically viable, there is an extensive business case behind it.

The canopy of the kelp forests can be harvested 4 times per year, and this yielded kelp can be processed into biostimulant; a natural fertiliser for agriculture. Kelp Blue will install and evaluate the first 1.5 ha pilot site offshore and start the first part of the scale up towards 50 ha in preparation for the subsequent 800 ha giant kelp farm off the Namibian coast.

During the pilot, the effects on water quality and biodiversity will be closely monitored. The pilot also serves as a proving ground for the design and testing of a new kelp growing system.