Launching Portugal’s First Regenerative Kelp Farm
This weekend, the world’s eyes turn once again to Nazaré, Portugal — not for its record-breaking waves, but for a new wave of regeneration. Together with our partners at Hope Zones Foundation, Seatrees is proud to announce the launch of Portugal’s first regenerative kelp farm, marking a major milestone for the future of the blue economy.
A New Chapter for the Blue Economy
For centuries, coastal economies have depended on extractive practices, taking from the ocean faster than it can replenish. This project represents a shift toward a regenerative model, one that gives back more than it takes. Working in collaboration with the local municipality of Nazaré, fishermen, marine scientists, and students, the new farm will cultivate Laminaria ochroleuca, also known as golden kelp, in the same Atlantic waters that host the world’s most powerful surf.
Golden kelp is a local species that thrives in these rough, nutrient-rich waters. It absorbs carbon faster than land-based forests, requires no freshwater or fertilizers, and creates vital underwater habitat as it grows, making it a cornerstone species for marine regeneration.
Collaboration at Every Level
The project unites a unique network of partners, including Portugal’s leading marine universities and laboratories, who are growing kelp spores in the lab to be transferred onto ropes at the farm site. Students will play a hands-on role, measuring biodiversity, tracking ecosystem health, and helping to advance regenerative aquaculture research.
At the same time, local fishermen are helping to deploy and maintain the farm infrastructure, creating new jobs within the blue economy and providing a model for how restoration and livelihoods can grow together.
A Catalyst for Change
Seatrees is honored to be the first organization to provide funding support and catalyze this initiative, offering individuals everywhere the opportunity to take part. Through our platform, you can now plant your own kelp seedling and help grow the first generation of regenerative golden kelp in Nazaré.
This marks the beginning of a global movement, showing what the future of ocean restoration can look like in Portugal, across Europe, and around the world.
Surfers Leading the Way
Nazaré is famous for producing the biggest waves on Earth, and it’s surfers who are now helping to lead the next big wave: ocean restoration. This project brings together the surf community, scientists, and local residents to prove that caring for the ocean goes beyond the lineup.
As surfers inspire the next generation of ocean advocates, projects like this demonstrate that the energy and passion of surf culture can help drive real, tangible climate solutions.
Join the Movement
The official launch event takes place this Sunday, November 16th, at the Mountains of the Sea Hangar in Porto Abrigo, Nazaré, featuring beach cleanups, boat trips to the farm site, traditional fishing demos, and community celebrations.
Whether you’re a surfer, scientist, or ocean lover, this is your invitation to help build a regenerative future for the ocean.
And now, you can plant your own kelp seedling today HERE, and become part of the next wave of ocean regeneration.