Commercial Harvest of Kelp and Other Marine Algae

Left: Commercial edible bull kelp harvesters. Photo by G. Contolini, CASG-CDFW Fellow. Right: Commercial edible sea palm harvester.Photo by G. Contolini, CASG-CDFW Fellow.

Overview of Commercial Kelp and Other Marine Algae Harvest Management

A detailed summary of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) kelp management can be found in the Giant Kelp and Bull Kelp Enhanced Status Report(opens in new tab).

CDFW manages all commercial kelp and other marine algae harvest statewide. All commercial harvesters of kelp and other marine algae must purchase an annual Kelp Harvesting and Drying License and abide by commercial algae harvest regulations in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Sections 165(opens in new tab) and 165.5(opens in new tab) which are also described in the California Commercial Fishing Digest (PDF)California Commercial Fishing Digest(opens in new tab).

Harvest may be restricted in some state marine protected areas, marine recreational management areas, special closures, and state marine parks. Commercial harvest, including disturbance, possession, or cutting of eelgrass (Zostera species), or surfgrass (Phyllospadix species) is prohibited (CCR, Title 14 Section 165(b)(4)(opens in new tab)).

The commercial harvest of giant and bull kelp for non-edible purposes is managed spatially in 87 administrative kelp beds that span much of California's coastline including the Channel Islands. The commercial harvest of all marine algae for edible purposes, including giant and bull kelp, is managed spatially using fishing blocks.

An annual commercial Kelp Harvesting License can be purchased by contacting CDFW's Seal Beach office at (562) 342-7100 to request an application. Commercial Kelp Harvester's(opens in new tab) or Commercial Edible Seaweed/Agarweed Aquatic Plant Harvester's(opens in new tab) Monthly Reports must be submitted regardless if harvest occurs (CCR, Title 14, Section 165(b)(3)(opens in new tab)). Monthly harvest reports and royalty fees shall be submitted on or before the 10th day of each month following the month to which the reports pertain. Harvest reports that are mailed shall be postmarked on or before the 10th of the month following the month to which reports pertain. Original monthly harvest reports and associated harvest royalty payments may be delivered using the following options:

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulates all commercially manufactured and processed food for human consumption in California. For more information on CDPH regulations, requirements, and permitting, refer to the CDPH website(opens in new tab).

Recent Amendments to Commercial Regulations

The California Fish and Game Commission recently adopted regulation amendments and new regulations for commercial harvest of kelp and other marine algae (effective January 1, 2023). The amended regulations include temporary changes that expire on January 1, 2026. The changes aim to reduce harvest pressure on bull kelp, which is in decline in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The permanent regulations pertain to all commercial harvest of marine algae, including changes to licensing and reporting requirements.

The revised regulations include California Code of Regulations Title 14, sections 165, 165.5, Appendix A, and the new Section 705.1. For more information on the new and/or amended regulations, please refer to the California Fish and Game Commission website(opens in new tab).

Bull Kelp Harvest Prohibited in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties

As of January 1, 2023, commercial bull kelp harvest, regardless of use, is temporarily closed in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The temporary closure will expire on January 1, 2026. Refer to CCR, Title 14, Sections 165(opens in new tab) and 165.5(opens in new tab) for more information.

Bull Kelp Harvest Quotas in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties

Per existing regulation, limited commercial harvest of bull kelp in Humboldt and Del Norte counties is only allowed for use as edible seaweed for human consumption only.

As of January 1, 2023, commercial harvesters of bull kelp for human consumption must abide by an annual quota between January 1 and December 31 for the fishery in Del Norte and Humboldt counties combined not to exceed four tons (8,000 pounds) wet weight. Weekly harvest reporting is required in addition to monthly harvest reports to allow CDFW to monitor the harvest and avoid exceeding the annual four-ton harvest quota. Weekly harvest reports shall be submitted to Kelp@wildlife.ca.gov. Any harvest in excess of the annual overall fishery quota or allotments must be forfeited to CDFW by using the Release of Property form DFW 1108 (NEW 07/01/22) (PDF)(opens in new tab). The temporary fishery annual quota and weekly harvest reporting will expire on January 1, 2026. Commercial bull kelp harvesters in Del Norte and Humboldt counties must familiarize themselves with the county-specific regulations in Section 165(c)(9) of CCR, Title 14(opens in new tab). CDFW will post status updates of reported commercial bull kelp harvest on this page, below:

Commercial Marine Algae Harvest Data

Additional References

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife (2001). 2000 Final Environmental Document--Giant and Bull Kelp Commercial and Sportfishing Regulations. Prepared by Collins, R.; Wendell, F.; Kalvass, P.; Ota, B.; Kashiwada, J.; Taniguchi, I.; King, A.; Larson, M.; Gross, J.; Wright, N.; O'Brien, J.; Bedford, D.; Veisze, P.(opens in new tab)

Commercial Sea Palm Harvest

Recommended Harvest Practice

CDFW encourages the blade cut approach using a sharp cutting tool (for example, a knife or scissors) for sea palm harvest.

The red line indicates the recommended location to cut sea palm, Postelsia palmaeformis, blades. To determine the area to cut, locate where the branch meets the blade, then locate the area where the blade widens and cut 1.5 inches away above the widening.