Imagine an aquaculture product that could solve today’s biggest food supply challenges. It would be rich in essential nutrients, grow quickly, and require minimal natural resources. Instead of harming the environment, it would have a therapeutic impact. While such a product sounds improbable, scientists, chefs, and industry leaders are discovering that sea greens like kelp offer all these amazing attributes.

Nichole Price is a senior research scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and an ecologist who studies seaweeds and global change. Price works closely with local industry partners to help Maine capitalize on the unique economic opportunity offered by seaweed aquaculture, which is a $6.4 billion industry worldwide. Join her Tuesday, July 24 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Bigelow Laboratory in East Boothbay to discuss how the shellfish industry can grow sea greens to reap the benefits of product diversification, while also improving growing conditions for shellfish.

Bigelow Laboratory’s Café Sci is a fun, free way for you to engage with ocean researchers on critical issues and groundbreaking science. You can see the full schedule, learn more, and register online for this popular summer series at www.bigelow.org/cafesci.