The effect of distal-end trimming on Saccharina latissima morphology, composition, and productivity

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

October 20, 2022

Lead PI: Gretchen S. Grebe

Authors: Gretchen S. Grebe, Carrie J. Byron, Damian C. Brady, Adam T. St. Gelais, Barry A. Costa-Pierce

Date: 2021

Abstract: As kelp cultivation increases around the world, so does the need for farm management strategies that produce specific crop characteristics, optimize yield, widen harvesting windows, and prevent biomass loss. Distal-end trimming of macroalgae has been recommended as a farm management method addressing these needs. In this study, we trimmed cultivated Saccharina latissima sporophytes grown in the Western Gulf of Maine (WGoM) to 60 cm above the stipe–blade interface. We characterized the effect of trimming on the morphology, tissue nutrient content, stable isotope ratio, and nitrate reductase activity of the kelp. We also evaluated the economic trade-offs of trimming using a simple production model. The results suggest that trimming the blade to 60 cm may have minimal biological consequences. Additionally, the trimming appears to benefit “short” kelp blades in proximity to the trimmed blades. Daily yield (% increase in weight day⁻¹) after trimming was initially lower than the control, but late-season daily yields and crop-retention following storms were markedly improved. Ultimately, we conclude that growers could use trimming to acquire kelp biomass earlier in the season, retain late-season biomass, and potentially increase the total revenue gained from kelp farming if price premiums can be exacted for this biomass.