Restoring Long Island’s Waters through Indigenous Kelp Farming

The Shinnecock Kelp Farmers, a multigenerational collective of Indigenous women from the Shinnecock Indian Nation, have initiated the first Indigenous-owned and operated kelp farm on the U.S. East Coast. Established in 2020, this nonprofit organization integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern aquaculture techniques to cultivate sugar kelp in Shinnecock Bay, Long Island. The primary objectives are to restore the bay’s ecological health by mitigating pollution through kelp’s natural ability to absorb excess nitrogen and carbon, and to create sustainable economic opportunities within the Shinnecock community.

In December 2021, New York State enacted the Kelp Bill, legalizing the cultivation of sugar kelp in certain areas, including Suffolk County on Long Island. This legislation provided a legal framework for kelp farming, enabling initiatives like the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers to operate within state regulations. Prior to this bill, seaweed cultivation faced regulatory hurdles that limited such activities.

Kelp farming offers multiple environmental benefits, including improving water quality, enhancing marine habitats, and contributing to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon. The Shinnecock Kelp Farmers collaborate with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and GreenWave to combine ancestral knowledge with scientific research, addressing challenges like algal overgrowth that affects kelp cultivation. Their work exemplifies a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and economic resilience.

Summary sourced from PBS.org

Analysis

Does the policy solution re-distribute power from mainstream institutions to impacted Black community?

While the Kelp Bill primarily facilitates environmental and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities, it sets a precedent for empowering marginalized groups, including Black communities, by legitimizing community-led environmental initiatives.

Does this policy provide more decision-making power at the hands of Black communities?

The legislation enables local communities to engage in sustainable practices like kelp farming. Although not directly targeting Black communities, it serves as a model for policy frameworks that support community-driven environmental stewardship, which can be adapted to empower Black communities in similar endeavors.

Does the policy undermine extractive economies like capitalism and restore community power around a local and regenerative economy/primary production?

Yes, by legalizing kelp cultivation, the policy promotes regenerative aquaculture over extractive economic models. Kelp farming enhances marine ecosystems and provides sustainable economic opportunities, fostering a shift towards local, community-based economies that prioritize environmental health over profit.

Does the policy repair past harm and uphold civil and human rights, health, and environmental protections?

The Kelp Bill acknowledges and supports Indigenous practices, contributing to cultural preservation and environmental restoration. While it does not directly address historical injustices faced by Black communities, it exemplifies legislative support for marginalized groups’ rights to engage in traditional, sustainable practices that benefit environmental and community health.

Analysis developed by Natalie Rivas