TuniKelp — co-cultivation of low-trophic tunicate and kelp

Marine low‑trophic species such as kelp and filter‑feeding animals are important resources for future food, feed, and energy production. Because they occupy a low level in the food chain, they can be farmed with a much lower environmental footprint than traditional fish aquaculture. TuniKelp explores integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), where kelp and tunicates are grown together in a balanced system that takes advantage of nutrient and oxygen exchange between the species.

Co‑cultivation has the potential to reduce production costs, increase area efficiency, and provide environmental benefits. The project will assess the feasibility of cultivating kelp at Ramsvikneset alongside existing tunicate production, identifying challenges, opportunities, and best practices. If successful, this approach could open for aquaculture in areas previously considered unsuitable and support a green, circular economy in line with regional sustainability goals.