Developing sporeless (non-reproductive) breeds of domesticated kelp species to reduce regulatory barriers for expanded kelp farming

Commercial and societal interest in seaweed farming is at an all-time high in the United States and globally. One major concern about the expansion of seaweed farms is the potential impact of genetically improved seaweed on the diversity and abundance of wild kelp forests. Thus, the development of sterile, selectively bred (“sporeless”) seaweed aims to support the economic viability of future large offshore seaweed operations while minimizing the environmental risks of these operations to wild seaweed. The University of Southern California (USC), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), USC Sea Grant, and WHOI Sea Grant Programs were awarded a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award in 2022 to establish a selective breeding program that improves the quality and yields of farmed kelp. The project team is creating such a process by identifying wild kelp with naturally occurring mutations and breeding them so sterility is induced, circumventing any need for genetic modification (non-GMO). Further, USC Sea Grant is leading engagement with regulatory agencies and marine stakeholders to develop a public education program regarding research results and to explore policy opportunities relevant to sporeless seaweed technologies. 

Key Results:

  • A number of strains of sugar kelp and giant kelp were genomically predicted to be sterile. 
  • Several of these strains also hold promise for maintaining sterility in the laboratory and the field; monitoring is ongoing. 
  • A rapid PCR test is under development as another technique to confirm that selected kelp are sterile.

 

Project Impacts & Application:

  • The researchers submitted a patent application for genetics-based selection of sporeless kelp to the U.S. Patent Office in June 2024.
  • A private company, Macrobreed LLC, was launched by the research team based on the sporeless technique.
  • A legal research article regarding a potential regulatory framework for sporeless kelp   implications was published, informed by informational interviews with relevant aquaculture regulators, extension agents, and industry professionals.
  • A public video on the sporeless technology’s methodology and rationale was produced. 
  • USC Sea Grant mentored two undergraduate environmental communications interns and a law student to develop these public outreach products.

 

Principal Investigators:

  • Sergey Nuzhdin, Ph.D., University of Southern California
  • Co-PI Scott Lindell, Ph.D., Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
  • Co-I Amalia Almada, Ph.D., USC Sea Grant, University of Southern California
  • Co-I Joshua Reitsma, Ph.D., WHOI Sea Grant, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

 

Funding:

2022-2025; NOAA National Sea Grant Program, through the Early Propagation Strategies for Aquaculture Species Call

 

Additional Info:

Vissers, Carina, et al. “Using Sporeless Sporophytes as a Next Step Towards Upscaling Offshore Kelp Cultivation.” Journal of Applied Phycology , 22 Nov. 2023, https://link.springer.com/journal/10811/volumes-and-issues/36-1.  

“Emerging Approaches to Seed Production.” GreenWave, 21 Mar. 2024, www.hub.greenwave.org/lms/events/farmer-forum-emerging-approaches-to-seed-production/. 

“Scott Lindell from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute …” World Wildlife Fund, 13 Dec. 2023, www.worldwildlife.org/videos/scott-lindell-from-woods-hole-oceanographic-institute-discusses-seaweed.  

“Selectively Breeding Seaweed.” World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/pages/selectively-breeding-seaweed.  

Solovieva, Daria. “Why This USC Scientist Sees a Big Future in America’s Kelp Farming.” Icebreaker, 2 Mar. 2022, www.icebreaker.media/why-this-usc-scientist-sees-a-big-future-in-americas-kelp-farming/.  

Project Video: Innovation in Selective Breeding Unlocks Kelp Farming Potential

Project Images