Kelp is on the way: As new Puget Sound aquaculture industry blooms, Vashon locals urge caution

Two kelp farms are looking to brave some uncharted water off of Vashon Island. Some believe seaweed aquaculture could help restore critical habitat for shellfish and native seaweed species, on top of pioneering a sustainable agriculture business.

But an environmental watchdog and Vashon neighborhood group see this new industry as an entangling threat to whales. As farms navigate the nascent permitting process, these groups are asking for more scrutiny toward an untested local industry.