A farm for kelp

Paul Dobbins and Tollef Olson prepare new kelp plants, which will hang off rafts near Bangs Island, Maine.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

These juvenile kelp plants will reach 6 to 8 feet long when they are ready to be harvested.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Inspired by mega-aquaculture sites in Asia, and a $7-billion global seaweed industry, Paul Dobbins and Tollef Olson started cultivating kelp near Bangs Island, Maine, last year and have begun marketing it as an exotic frozen vegetable.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Ocean Approved’s Kelp Slaw Cut can be used in all kinds of ways, including salads and lasagna. The company sells its kelp fresh, not dried.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Paul Dobbins, left, and Tollef Olson enjoy working on the water and hope their kelp farm will provide jobs for the community of Portland, Maine.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Tollef Olson, 53, co-founded the kelp farm after working as a treasure hunter, commercial fisherman and mussel grower.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)