Algae Research Supply: Macrocystis pyrifera live samples (giant kelp)

We will collect and ship Macrocystis (giant kelp) from Southern California. It will be shipped via USPS priority mail (2-day service). Refrigerate the product when you receive it and it should be good for study for 1-4 weeks. Upon receipt, be ready for it to be a gooie mess, that may smell as well. This is a live organism which may have run low on oxygen during transit. Open it up and give it some air. To minimize slime and, you can wash it with a dilute (10% of household) bleach solution to minimize the mess. Test this to make sure you do not bleach the whole thing out. For a dried look, hanging the kelp to dry for an afternoon will also mitigate the alginate (slime) as it is almost entirely water. You should dry it in a sunny place with a breeze if possible. Alternatively, dry it in front of a fan in your 'colleagues' office as it may not smell great.