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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)
6
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)
7
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
30
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
32
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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(20 June 2011)
Algaebase (2011), Laminaria Saccharina
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Botana, L. M. (2000) Seafood and Freshwater Toxins: Pharmacology, Physiology and
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