Regenerative Ocean Farming

To advance this work, PEM is partnering with GreenWave, the U.S.-based nonprofit that has championed the regenerative ocean farming movement and promoted its adoption in North America through innovative farmer training, climate subsidies, infrastructure support, and market development programs.

In collaboration with GreenWave, which promotes and practices "Regenerative Ocean Farming," a model of marine farming involving various species and trophic levels such as seaweeds and bivalves, we will initially establish a kelp farm to determine the best practices for ocean cultivation. Additionally, we will develop Argentina’s first kelp restoration model, focusing on restoring native Patagonian kelp populations and uncovering valuable information about the dynamics of these historically under-studied forests. During the first year, our goal is to have at least one kelp farming trial operational. To achieve this, we have constructed a hatchery and a laboratory. To understand and maximize the results, we will conduct a series of studies, including marine spatial planning, genetic and DNA studies of the giant kelp species Macrocystis pyrifera, and impact assessments of the cultivation on the San Julián bay.

Our team will advocate and implement policies and regulations to ensure the protection of the kelp ecosystem. Our goal is to regulate the extraction of wild kelp and ensure the proper implementation of sustainable farming practices. 

We are engaging the local community through meetings with fishermen, identifying potential ocean farmers, mapping kelp usage, and conducting perception surveys. By collaborating with those interested in ocean farming, we aim to foster a sense of responsibility for protecting kelp forests and promoting best practices in kelp farming. Coastal communities are key partners on the path to sustainable ocean farming, and we are committed to working closely with them to achieve this goal.

As regenerative ocean farming is a new approach in the region (never before done in Argentina), our communication team is actively working to bring it into focus. Local campaigns are already engaging the community with pilot projects, showcasing their significance for marine preservation and their potential to boost coastal development. Through audiovisual and graphic content, we are extending this initiative beyond provincial borders. By reaching a broader audience and building awareness at the national level, we are paving the way for a new understanding of the vital role marine ecosystems play in human development—where success depends on collaboration and balance.