Saltwater farming, also known as ocean farming or mariculture, is a revolutionary and sustainable approach to agriculture that harnesses the power of the ocean to grow crops and produce seafood. It offers numerous benefits for the environment and holds immense potential for meeting the growing global demand for food while reducing the strain on land and freshwater resources. Through innovative techniques and specially designed structures, saltwater farming presents an opportunity to diversify our food supply and promote food security on a global scale.
So, what types of saltwater farms are out there shaping the future of farming?
Tekmara – Sarasota, FL Founder and Saltwater Farming Innovator | 2022 – Present
- Pioneered Tekmara, an agricultural startup focused on saltwater farming.
- Developed and implemented unique growing systems that utilize solar power for desalination, nourishing crops with seawater in a temperature-controlled floating chamber.
- Successfully cultivated specialty crops, such as mushrooms, for high-end restaurants in the Sarasota area.
- Striving to expand the product range to include leafy greens and assorted crops.
- Selected for the Tampa Bay Innovation Center’s Climate Tech cohort, driving advancements in sustainable farming practices.
Nemo’s Garden – Northwestern Italy Underwater Farming Researcher | 2012 – Present
- Contributed to the exploration of underwater farming methods to enhance food production in challenging areas.
- Collaborated with the Ocean Reef Group in designing and experimenting with 9 hydroponic biospheres for herb cultivation.
- Conducted research on underwater farming techniques and their economic viability.
- Tested different crops, including tomatoes, green peas, zucchini, and okra, to diversify underwater farming options.
- Developed a system that harnesses evaporated seawater to water the plants, ensuring self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Heron Farms – Charleston, SC Founder and Vertical Saltwater Farmer | 2014 – Present
- Established Heron Farms as the world’s first vertical saltwater farm, specializing in halophytes grown with seawater.
- Cultivated and marketed “sea beans” (a salty vegetable similar to seaweed) and dried sea beans (samphire) as a salt alternative.
- Utilized evapotranspiration to recapture freshwater from crops for traditional agriculture use.
- Committed to environmental restoration by restoring one square foot of marshland for every pound of food sold.
GreenWave Regenerative Ocean Farming Advocate | 2015 – Present
- Co-founded GreenWave to promote regenerative ocean farming on a global scale.
- Led efforts to create a network of farmers using ocean water for plant growth, without added fertilizers.
- Provided training and support to farmers, enabling them to adopt successful and profitable ocean farming practices.
- Facilitated connections among producers, buyers, and sellers in the ocean farming industry through the Regenerative Ocean Farming Hub.
Seawater Greenhouse Agricultural Lighting Specialist | 1994 – Present
- Employed expertise in lighting design to pioneer agricultural lighting practices.
- Established Seawater Greenhouse, focusing on farming in arid climates using greenhouses and seawater.
- Developed innovative methods to capture condensation from seawater evaporation for freshwater use.
- Successfully constructed farms in Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Australia, and Somaliland, improving agricultural possibilities in arid regions.
Saltwater farming is an innovative and sustainable agricultural method that harnesses the ocean’s resources to meet global food demands. It offers benefits such as increased food production, reduced land and freshwater usage, improved water quality, and economic growth. As research progresses, saltwater farming holds promising potential for a more sustainable future.