Abstract
The artificial culture of Macrocystis integrifolia in southeastern Alaskan waters has been initiated as a first step in a project to augment the existing herring roe-on-kelp fishery in the state. The growing of Macrocystis in Prince William Sound has the potential of considerably enhancing this fishery by eliminating the costly importation of this kelp from southeast Alaska. In an ongoing feasibility study, Macrocystis has been cultured under laboratory conditions through the embryonic sporophyte stage and outplanted in waters near Sitka, Alaska (57° N). Growth of the outplanted kelps has been monitored as a function of the time and depth of the outplanting. Preliminary results suggest that light is limiting for growth in winter and that the optimal depth for outplanting will vary with the season.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dean, T. A. & F. R. Jacobsen, 1984. Growth of juvenile Macrocystis pyrifera (Laminariales) in relation to environmental factors. Mar. Biol. 83: 301–311.
Druehl, L. D., 1978. The distribution of Macrocystis integrifolia in British Columbia as related to environmental parameters. Can. J. Bot. 56: 69–79.
Druehl, L. D., 1984. The integrated productivity of a Macrocystis integrifolia plant. Can. J. Bot. 62: 230–235.
Druehl, L. D., 1988. Cultivated edible kelp. In C. A. Lembi & J. R. Waaland (eds), Algae and Human Affairs. Cambridge University Press, New York: 119–134.
Jackson, G. A., 1987. Modelling the growth and harvest yield of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera. Mar. Biol. 95: 611–624.
Lobban, C. S., 1978. Growth of Macrocystis integrifolia in Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island, B. C. Can. J. Bot. 56: 2707–2711.
Parsons, T. R., Y. Maita & C. M. Lalli, 1984. A manual of chemical and biological methods for seawater analysis. Pergamon Press, Oxford, 187 pp.
Provasoli, L., 1968. Media and prospects for the cultivation of marine algae. In A. Watanable & A. Hattori (eds), Cultures and Collections of Algae. Proc. U.S. — Japan Conf. Hakone, September 1966. Jap. Soc. Plant Physiol.: 63–75.
Savikko, H., 1989. 1988 Preliminary Alaska commercial fisheries harvests and values. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Regional Information Report No. 5J89-03, 65 pp.
Stekoll, M. S., 1988. Development of Macrocystis culture in Alaska. In S. Keller (ed.), Proceedings of the Fourth Alaska Aquaculture Conference. Alaska Sea Grant College Program, Fairbanks: 13–18.
Wheeler, W. N. & L. D. Druehl, 1986. Seasonal growth and productivity of Macrocystis integrifolia in British Columbia, Canada. Mar. Biol. 90: 181–186.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stekoll, M.S., Else, P.V. Cultivation of Macrocystis integrifolia (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) in southeastern Alaskan waters. Hydrobiologia 204, 445–451 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00040269
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00040269