Happy New Year #2019

Happy New Year!

Stonington Kelp Co (aka Jay and I) are very excited to have had a successful (meaning I only dropped the vice grips one time) out-planting season. This year, we were graciously aided by our friend, Josh Wilkenson, who kept the peace on the boat. For us, out-planting is still a three person operation.

October was spent prepping gear, November was spent setting our gear, and we out-planted the first week of December. This year was quite smooth because we did not try and battle mother nature. We turned in when the weather was bad, understanding that being on the water, in winter, in a small skiff, in 34 degree weather is dangerous.

Our seed was provided by Greenwave and their partners for the 2018-2019 season. It was nurtured in a hatchery a few miles away from our site and is currently enjoying the cold currents passing through the fisher’s island sound.

One exciting new addition to our 2019 gear is mustang jackets which allow us to work easily without our life vests snagging on cleats. This is an indulgent purchase but on the other hand it could save our lives and it makes me feel quite official.

For now, we wait and visit the farm as often as the weather allows to ensure the kite-string is not compromised. Updates to come on how warm the jacket really is. I’ve only tested it out in above freezing air temps….