The design of aquaculture systems requires an understanding of the drag forces on
cultivated kelp. This study measured the drag on line segments of cultivated Saccharina
latissima in a towing tank. The drag on segments of farm line with full kelp bundles and with
stipes alone (fronds removed) was measured at tow speeds of 0.10 to 0.50 m/s. The drag on
individual fronds cut from the line was also measured. Video images were collected to
evaluate the plant reconfiguration. Both kelp blades and stipes contributed to the total drag …