GreenWave’s First Crop of Hatchery Interns

As the regenerative ocean farming industry grows, we need more hatcheries—and more scientists—to support the growing number of ocean farmers, satisfy market demand, and ensure sustainable sourcing of raw kelp. 

GreenWave operates one of the largest commercial-scale seaweed hatcheries in the United States and provides seed string at no cost to new and early-stage regenerative ocean farmers in our Farmer-in-Training program. Our hatchery facility is a living lab and our team is always looking for ways to improve seed quality, increase crop yields, and decrease stress on native kelp beds. 

This fall, GreenWave launched a Hatchery Internship. “Working with interns increases GreenWave’s capacity to take on new hatchery innovation projects,” says Hatchery Manager Michelle Stephens. “The program fosters learning around the cultivation of restorative species through hands-on experience. Interns actively work side-by-side with our staff on system maintenance and design, data collection and recording, kelp growth monitoring, and new hatchery innovation assessment.” 

Our first crop of interns, Maeve Rourke from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) and Kat McSweeney from the University of New Haven, are excited to be part of this up-and-coming industry. Maeve is building on her previous experience maintaining SCSU’s aquarium and is learning ways to apply new skills gained in the hatchery to future environmental fieldwork. Kat retired from Coast Guard as a Boatswain’s Mate after 25 years of service. During her time in the Coast Guard, she juggled everything from executive duties and driving cutters to fisheries enforcement and search and rescue. Kat is eager to start her second career as a marine biologist. This internship has been an immersive opportunity for Kat to explore future prospects for work.

We’re excited to welcome Maeve and Kat into the GreenWave fold, and we can’t wait to see what innovations come out of this season’s internship. Maeve, Kat, and future hatchery interns are an important part of the regenerative ocean farming industry’s evolving story.