LET US TRY KELP FARMING IN THE PHILIPPINES

 LET US TRY KELP FARMING IN THE PHILIPPINES 

Off the coast of Norway, something fascinating is happening. Instead of growing crops on land, they are cultivating kelp on an industrial scale. Yes, kelp — the giant seaweed that grows like underwater forests. And this is not just any farming. Kelp farming absorbs carbon dioxide from the water at rates up to 50 times faster than land-based forests. Imagine that: a climate tool that not only produces food, fuel, and packaging materials but also helps fight ocean acidification and improves biodiversity. 

Why should this matter to us? Because we, the Philippines, are also a maritime nation with a long coastline and millions of people depending on the sea. We already grow seaweeds in many coastal communities. Why not try kelp? The same areas that are now producing seaweeds could also cultivate kelp, perhaps even more profitably. 

In Norway, the technology is already advanced. They are using giant grids with ropes seeded with young kelp plants, which grow into long green curtains underwater. No freshwater needed. No fertilizers. No arable land taken away from rice or corn. Just the sea, sunlight, and carbon dioxide. Can you think of a more sustainable kind of farming? 

This is where I suggest a practical course of action. First, let us task the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) to take the lead in piloting kelp farming projects here. They already have the mandate and the network of local fisherfolk organizations to test and expand such programs. Second, let us instruct our embassy in Norway to initiate a technology transfer program. Why reinvent the wheel when Norway has already done the heavy lifting? We can learn, adapt, and localize their methods to fit our tropical waters. 

And should BFAR be the only agency involved? I don’t think so. Perhaps the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) should also play a role, given the ecological benefits of kelp forests. Kelp not only helps capture carbon but also provides shelter for fish and other marine life, which ties directly into biodiversity conservation. On the community side, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) should also be tapped. Why? Because fisherfolk cooperatives are the natural partners in organizing, managing, and profiting from kelp farming ventures. 

Now, I know some will ask: will kelp grow in our warmer waters? Good question. Norway has cold nutrient-rich seas, and that may not be the same as ours. But remember, we already cultivate other types of seaweeds successfully. It is worth conducting trials to see which kelp varieties might adapt to Philippine conditions. Scientific research must be part of the equation, but we should not be afraid to experiment. 

If successful, kelp farming could open up many opportunities. Food production, animal feed, biodegradable packaging, biofuels — all from the sea. And let us not forget the most important part: capturing carbon in significant amounts, helping us fight climate change in a way that is cost-effective, and nature based. 

The way I see it, kelp farming is not just an agricultural experiment. It could become a pillar of our climate strategy, a livelihood opportunity for coastal families, and a biodiversity booster all at once. If Norway can lead the way, why can’t the Philippines follow? We have the seas, the fisherfolk, and the need. All we must do is try. 

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres 
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

12-11-2025  

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