New England Sea Farms

New England Sea Farms is a Connecticut-based, privately held farming operation established in 2019 that focuses on the cultivation of sugar kelp. Operating as a one-man farm off the coast of Guilford, the company utilizes sustainable, zero-input methods to grow seaweed on horizontal lines suspended in ocean waters. The farm is managed by founder Jon McGee, who works to promote the regional blue economy through aquaculture practice, academic research, and community outreach. The company maintains collaborative ties with local institutions and organizations, such as GreenWave, to optimize its farming operations and monitor environmental conditions.

The company is a key contributor to the Sugar Kelp Cooperative, an entity co-founded by McGee to address shared infrastructure, marketing, and distribution challenges for independent seaweed farmers in Southern New England. By participating in this cooperative, New England Sea Farms helps manage the post-harvest supply chain—including drying and processing efforts—to ensure that kelp products reach markets such as restaurants, fish markets, and breweries. This partnership supports the cooperative’s efforts to create a year-round, sustainable supply of kelp while fostering a viable livelihood for regional seaweed farmers who prioritize environmental stewardship.