33 



indicate kelp can be processed in digesters that are smaller and 

 less complex than conventional digestors considered for biomass 

 conversion. In addition, the fact that fresh water is not required for 

 processing reduces the potential environmental impacts of the 

 processing facility, as well as allowing for simpler and lower cost 

 operations. 



With these accomplishments, problems and objectives in mind, 

 the proposed fiscal year 1980 joint DOE/GRI/New York State 

 ERDA program will focus on the following areas: 



One, continued operation of the existing biological test farm for 

 kelp growth and yield experiments. 



Two, initiation of characterization and site studies of New York 

 State and other Atlantic waters and laboratory growth and conver- 

 sation studies involving kelp and native species grown in Atlantic 

 waters. 



Third, initiation of alternative site studies in other U.S. coastal 

 waters including the gulf coast, Hawaii, and Alaska. 



Fourth, performance of kelp planting experiments and design 

 studies leading to construction of an engineering size digestor in 

 fiscal year 1981. 



Fifth, initiation of studies to examine institutional and environ- 

 mental issues. Large scale ocean farming may pose questions re- 

 garding the multiple use of ocean waters, the adequacy of existing 

 permit processes for commercial ocean activities, and the potential 

 impact of kelp farming on the surrounding aquaculture. 



Technical barriers facing us over the next few years involve the 

 design of cost-effective and reliable farm structures and the demon- 

 stration of continuous commercially feasible yields from controlled 

 cultivation of the kelp. These challenges include developing a farm 

 structure that can withstand ocean storms, assure maximum plant 

 growth year-round, and minimize energy requirements in growing 

 and harvesting. 



Other areas of work requiring added research in the future in- 

 clude alternative site experiments, the development of a wave 

 powered pumping system, the development of various genetic 

 strains of macrocystis pyrifera to maximize the methane yield and 

 to allow cultivation in other U. S. waters, the investigation of other 

 plant species for open ocean farming, and the study of mariculture 

 production and byproduct recovery for utilization as a feed or 

 fertilizer or nutrient recycle to the farm. 



In summary, the Gas Research Institute is aggressively support- 

 ing, in cooperation with the Department of Energy and New York 

 State ERDA, a research program to determine the feasibility of 

 farming the ocean for biomass to be used for the production of 

 substitute natural gas. In recognition of the importance of this 

 program, the Gas Research Institute has budgeted approximately 

 $26 million for research in this area over the next 5 years with a 

 fiscal year 1980 commitment of $2,375,000. New York State ERDA 

 has budgeted $335,000 for fiscal year 1980. To keep the program on 

 schedule. Congress has recently appropriated $3,500,000 of DOE 

 funds in fiscal year 1980. Our enthusiasm for the program is based 

 on the following assessments: 



One, a virtually unlimited potential exists for growing a huge 

 biomass resource in the ocean. 



