New Kelp Beer Unveiled To Highlight Environmental Benefits

PECONIC, NY — With seaweed aquaculture an emerging "green industry" on the North Fork, many are enthused to see how kelp can equal environmental and economic benefits to the entire region.

With an eye toward raising awareness, an event, "Kelp Art + Awareness," will be held at the Greenport Harbor Brewery, at 42155 Main Road in Peconic on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The free event will feature the release of a limited edition kelp beer as well as kelp art and a kelp-product vendor showcase.

The Peconic Estuary's kelp aquaculture feasibility study, which was funded by Suffolk County's quality protection and restoration program and land stewardship initiative, and which is being conducted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s marine program, aims to evaluate the potential of the new industry in Suffolk County "to improve water quality via bioextraction of water column nitrogen and carbon, while producing a high-demand, renewable product," a release said.

CCE has been working to test the feasibility of growing kelp in the Peconic Estuary, and exploring the types of different industries, including culinary, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural, in which the product might be used, the release added.

At the event, guests can taste the new, limited edition kelp beer, "a robust porter utilizing sugar kelp harvested from our local waters by CCE as a featured ingredient," according to Greenport Harbor Brewery.

In addiiton, GHBC’s gallerist Ann Vandenburgh has brought together local artists who have been utilizing repurposed grain sacks from the brewing operation and transforming them into kelp-inspired artwork; the exhibition will be unveiled at the event.

Local businesses and makers will also be onhand, showcasing products they created utilizing kelp provided by CCE's marine program. Vendors include Life is Gruff Bakery, Nauti Gal Soap, The Dirty Mermaid, Southampton Soap Company, and Mana Made Jewelry.

Photo courtesy Christine Moran, Nauti Gal Soaps.

Christine Moran, creator of Nauti Gal Soaps, explained why kelp was a plus in her soaps: "It enriches the skin with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins such as C, A, and even B12. Who wouldn’t want to rejuvenate their skin with this all-natural, awesome ingredient?"

Experts from CCE's marine program will also be onhand to present information about the kelp aquaculture feasibility study.

Music will be provided by Rob Europe.

To learn more about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s marine program, click here. Additional information about the Peconic Estuary kelp aquaculture feasibility study can be found here.

Lead photo courtesy Greenport Harbor Brewery.