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About

Welcome to Ocean Approved. We produce delicious vegetables from the sea with minimal impact to the environment. We love the ocean and are committed to sustainable practices. We employ a combination of aquaculture and mariculture techniques year-round, and are excited to be moving from wild harvesting to cultivating our kelps. In fact, we operate the first open water kelp farms in the U.S.

We are committed to the sustainable harvest of this vital ocean resource, and look forward to providing only cultivated kelp and seaweeds in the future.

Our name reflects our commitment to the environment and preserving the oceans for future generations. Out on the water, we ask ourselves: If the ocean could talk, would she approve of what we are doing? These practices also guarantee that we are producing the highest quality kelp products available. Once you taste our products, we know that you will approve if it’s Ocean Approved!

Farming

We are proud to be the first commercial kelp farmers in the U.S. Our waters in the cold Gulf of Maine are perfect for growing our three varieties of kelp. Kelp is a fast growing winter crop. We seed in the late fall and harvest in the early spring. Because kelp is a green plant, farming kelp improves the quality of water. Like other green plants, it absorbs nitrogen, CO<sub>2</sub>, phosphorus and other nutrients as it grows. Kelp farms also provide shade and structure (habitat) for many other marine organisms.

Our research in creating kelp “seed” was funded in large part by the U.S. Department of Commerce through their NOAA agency and the Maine Technology Institute. In the fall of 2013, Ocean Approved along with our research partner the University of Connecticut will make available the “manual” for kelp farming for all those that are interested in entering this field.

Kelp farming allows us to grow a highly nutritious food without the use of fresh water, arable land or fertilizers.

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