Kelp farming has the potential to become a cottage industry on Martha’s Vineyard, a winter experiment has concluded.

Island-sourced kelp salads could soon join farm-raised meat or Chilmark mussels on Vineyard plates, with the state’s first two commercial seaweed permits issued this winter to Island shellfishermen.

The Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group hopes to bring a nascent kelp-growing project to Chilmark this winter, with support from the town selectmen and shellfish constable.

Following a trend of looking for innovative sustainable ways to make a living from the ocean, the Island’s newest crop has been quietly planted in the water off Eastville Beach.