The Kachemak Kelp Hub is a mission-driven, Alaskan-run initiative established to address two factors limiting the growth of seaweed mariculture in Alaska: a lack of ready and efficient processing, and limited markets. 


The Hub directly supports regenerative seaweed farms in Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet by testing new approaches to processing, seeking out new markets, and sharing results and information with others. Our ultimate goal is to foster the development of an Alaska industry that’s healthy for oceans, people and the planet. 


As part of this broader initiative, we buy, process, and sell locally grown seaweed and seaweed products.


Finding & Sharing Solutions through Applied Research

We are continually testing and improving cost-effective, dockside seaweed processing solutions. We collaborate and work with a range of partners to refine processing approaches and research, develop value-added kelp products and markets, and share what we learn. 


Beginning in 2022, we have focused on developing and testing energy efficient methods of stabilizing kelp post-harvest, including drying in a high tunnel greenhouse modified with supplemental air circulation, heat and dehumidifying capacity. We are also running trials to test the efficiency and effectiveness of different types of dryers, and different approaches to kelp stabilization. 


Our work to increase market access includes connecting with existing businesses buying minimally processed kelp as a food or nutraceutical ingredient, for incorporating in textiles, bioplastics, or soil amendments, and as animal feed supplements. We’ve also developed and produced a collection of kelp seasonings and are working with partners to explore local production of skin care and plant biostimulant applications using Alaskan seaweed.

Boosting Economy
Kelp Farming

Boosting the Economy

We support local kelp farmers with fair prices and strong partnerships, leverage existing local infrastructure and talent in and around our working waterfront community, and cultivate new and existing markets.

Working Toward a Deeper Purpose

Kelp mariculture is a climate-positive industry. Without using fresh water, arable land or fertilizers, kelp farming produces food and biomass while capturing carbon, pumping out oxygen and combating ocean acidification. It’s an investment in the ocean, our coastal communities and Alaska’s future – and we’re proud to be part of that process.

Working Toward a Deeper Purpose

Kelp mariculture is a climate-positive industry. Without using fresh water, arable land or fertilizers, kelp farming produces food and biomass that has a wide variety of uses while capturing carbon, pumping out oxygen and combating ocean acidification. It’s an investment in the ocean, our coastal communities and Alaska’s future – and we’re excited and proud to be part of that process.

Our Products

Great Taste. Deep Purpose.

Our native kelp is grown and harvested from the cool, clean, nutrient-rich waters of Kachemak Bay, Alaska, by farmers who practice zero-input, regenerative aquaculture – using only locally sourced seed, saltwater and sun. We dry and process it right off the docks in Homer, Alaska, to create premium quality, locally produced products that add richness to your meals and goodness to the earth and coastal economies.

Premium Dried Kelp

We offer premium dried Alaska Kombu (Sugar) kelp and Alaska Wakame (Ribbon) kelp – milled and whole leaf. Seasonally we have a limited selection of other species available. Please contact us for availability and pricing.

Ready-to-Eat Retail Products

These umami-rich, nutrient-packed seasonings and dried kelp varieties make it easy to sprinkle goodness and a taste of Kachemak Bay on your meals. Currently available at Salmon Sisters. If you'd like to see them fly off your shelves, contact us for wholesale pricing.

Kelp Products
Alaska Wakame, Kombu & Five-Ribbed Kelp Mix
Alaska Kombu Kelp
Alaska Wakame Kelp

Our retail products are available at:

Meet The Farmers

We currently source our kelp from three small family farms in Kachemak Bay and an Alaska Native community farm at Island Passage. They grow native Sugar and Ribbon Kelp using a zero-input, seeded line method requiring no fresh water, no arable land, and no fertilizer.

Spinnaker Sea Farms

Lindsay and Leah Olsen

Owned and operated by Lindsay and Leah Olsen, this second-generation family farm is nestled in the secluded waters of Jakolof Bay where they grow oysters and seaweed. Visit  Spinnaker Sea Farms.

Ebb Tide Ocean Farms

Lindsay and Leah Olsen

Inspired by the prospect of regenerative farming close to home, Evie Witten & Rand Hagenstein founded their family-run kelp farm in Halibut Cove. They’re also part of the Kachemak Kelp Hub team.

Snug Harbor Seafoods

Brenda Dale has been involved in commercial fisheries and growing oysters at her site in Halibut Cove for many years. Now she’s diversifying her farm by cultivating native kelp.

Island Passage Farm

A new seaweed farm near Island Passage attained its permit in 2023 and will be run by community members from the Alaska Native villages of Nanwalek and Port Graham. We are working closely with the APMI (Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute) to support this new initiative and look forward to purchasing and processing their kelp.

COMING SOON: In 2024, we hope to also source seaweed from additional established shellfish growers in Kachemak Bay and any other new farms in the area.

Our Team

The Kachemak Kelp Hub is a collaborative initiative established by Kathryn Carovano at Saltwater Inc. and Evie Witten at Regeneration North LLC, and bolstered by an awesome seasonal crew. Our team has deep ties to Alaska, the ocean, and Kachemak Bay. We have combined experience as entrepreneurs, kelp farmers, ecologists, former commercial fishermen, and people with decades of experience in fishery and ocean monitoring, research, and conservation.

We got involved in processing and marketing seaweed as a climate-positive way to support our coastal communities and the small-scale, family businesses that are such an important part of them.

Kathryn Carovano
Evie Witten

Kelp Collaborators

The Kachemak Kelp Hub is supported in part through a NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy award, and grants from the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF), Alaska Blue Economy Center, and the Southeast Conference.


We are proud to be part of a collaborative network that also includes:

Contact Us

Contact us with any questions, ideas, wholesale inquiries, and/or collaborative opportunities you’d like to explore. And be sure to follow us on Instagram!

Contact Us

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