Abstract
The future of large-scale kelp aquaculture is standing at a crossroad, with the diverging paths being characterized by two fundamentally different cultivation methods that differ on how well gametophyte reproduction can be controlled. The cultivation method that does not directly control gametophyte reproduction is more widely utilized at the moment, but interest in better controlling gametophyte reproduction is growing steadily. Here, we validate a bioreactor system that overcomes a number of implementation challenges for this controlled reproductive method, expanding the possibility of clonal gametophyte cultivation outside of expensive laboratory settings. The main goals of this system include (i) the maintenance of clean gametophyte clonal cultures in non-sterile environments over prolonged periods of time, (ii) the production of large numbers of juvenile sporophytes, and (iii) effective transportation of gametophytes and sporophytes. The “SeaCoRe system” consists out of three parts that correspond to these three challenges: (1) clone-reactors, (2) a clone-inducer, and (3) a transporter. The validation of the system showed that delayed Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta gametophytes can grow reliably for 75 days in the clone-reactors. Initial gametophyte densities of 0.4 mg DW and 0.6 mg DW gametophtyes mL−1 were optimal for S. latissima and A. esculenta, resulting in reproductive successes of 604 and 422 sporophytes mL−1, respectively. Lastly, gametophyte transport was simulated, with high reproductive success still achieved within 19 days in ~ 20 °C environments. The SeaCoRe system helps unlock the full potential of large-scale kelp cultivation using multiannual delayed clonal.
Highlights
Kelp aquaculture is on the cusp of becoming a large-scale offshore industry on a global scale (Bak et al, 2020)
The clone reactor performed as envisioned, with gametophyte cultures successfully being kept for 75 days
The gametophytes performed as envisioned, by slowly growing vegetatively, with the highest overall biomass increase observed in S. latissima female gametophyte cultures (105%)
Summary
Kelp aquaculture is on the cusp of becoming a large-scale offshore industry on a global scale (Bak et al, 2020). This is still an understudied subject that has proven difficult to master This includes taking into account the different growth rates between the sexes (Destombe et al 2011) or age-related changes in fertility, especially since multiannual delayed gametophytes have shown to survive and able to grow vegetatively for decades What is most important in the transport bioreactor is that it is sturdy enough to handle rough transports, and simple enough to successfully use without any prior knowledge of kelp cultivation This system of bioreactors should form a closed loop system that allows for clean gametophyte culture propagation and transportation, without the need of expensive laboratories. The validation is accompanied with the blueprints and dimensions of the SeaCoRe system, quantitatively measuring the kelp propagation process, from gametophyte clonal cultures to juvenile sporophyte, as a basis to be used in CRM-based kelp aquaculture
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