Building Capacity for Kelp (Laminariales) Mariculture in the Salish Sea: Ecological Considerations and Initial Farm Design Guidance

—As a new type of marine activity in an environmentally and socially complex region, one limitation of the development of seaweed farming within Washington State waters of the Salish Sea is a lack of information about how to best implement sustainable farming practices. In this paper we discuss the potential environmental benefits and risks posed by open-water native kelp (Laminariale s ) mariculture in the Salish Sea, suggest initial farm design guidance to maximize ecosystem benefits and minimize ecological harms, and identify priority areas for future monitoring and research. We also emphasize the importance of conducting kelp farming in a way that accommodates tribal concerns and ensures access to treaty-protected fishing grounds. We suggest an adaptive management approach, using the best available