For hundreds of years, nature has provided for the needs of the eastern part of Long Island, New York, not just the indigenous people. Warming waters, pollution and industrialization have made it necessary for man to reach for solutions not previously used. Tela Troge a lawyer and member of the Shinnecock tribe decided to take matters into his own hands and began growing kelp (marine algae).

Growing kelp is nothing more than modern agriculture using a large, fast-growing variety of seaweed. Kelp feeds on excess carbon dioxide, nitrogen and phosphorus. The latter two are directly responsible for harmful algal blooms that have historically killed plants and animals in Shinnecock Bay. Kelp forests develop biodiversity, reduce ocean acidification and remove carbon dioxide from the water.

The global seaweed market is projected to be worth billion in 2028 - today its value is estimated at billion. In addition to clean money and improved living conditions for the tribe, the environment also records an improvement in its condition. Shinnecock Kelp Farmers started their operation in December 2021, and since they started, they have noticed that the water seems cleaner and the birds are returning. They plan to hire more farmers from the community, bringing hope to a community that has been deprived for so long.

Kelp is also rarely but nevertheless found in the Baltic Sea - could it be an opportunity for the Slavic tribe?