Wenfang Wang

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Marine Science, 2026, Vol. 16, No. 3   
Received: 12 May, 2026    Accepted: 15 Jun., 2026    Published: 27 Jun., 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Climate change is increasingly challenging the sustainability and productivity of kelp farming through ocean warming, marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, extreme weather events, and shifts in nutrient availability. This paper systematically reviews adaptation strategies for enhancing the resilience of kelp farming under changing marine environmental conditions. It first examines the physiological, genetic, and ecological responses of kelp to major climate stressors, with particular emphasis on thermal tolerance, photosynthetic regulation, oxidative stress, genetic diversity, and ecological interactions. The paper then evaluates adaptive cultivation and farm management strategies, including optimized site selection, seasonal production adjustment, cultivation-depth regulation, stocking-density management, and environmental monitoring. Biological and technological approaches, such as selective breeding, controlled hatchery production, genomics, transcriptomics, and microbiome-based research, are further discussed for developing climate-resilient kelp strains. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and climate-smart management are highlighted as ecosystem-based approaches for improving resource-use efficiency and reducing production risks. A representative case study is proposed to evaluate the practical implementation and effectiveness of regional adaptation measures. Finally, the integration of artificial intelligence, remote sensing, predictive modeling, and digital monitoring is discussed as an important pathway toward intelligent and climate-resilient kelp aquaculture.

Kelp farming; Climate change; Climate adaptation; Thermal stress; Sustainable aquaculture