Giant kelp forests are dying. But we can bring them back.
There are two main methods of out-planting: 1) seeding the plants on twine which is wrapped around boulders cleared of competing species and 2) seeding plants in gravel.
If we can out-plant at a large enough scale, we can replicate natural, functional, and self-supporting giant kelp forests throughout eastern Tasmanian waters.
Requirements
Achieving forest-scale restoration is dependent on:
The capacity of culturing facilities to seed sufficient quantities of twine and gravel
Our ability to optimise the seeding methods
The availability of funds and skilled staff to conduct the work
Why now?
Over the next 18 months, we have a unique opportunity to make significant progress and turn small trials into large-scale restoration efforts.
Why the next 18 months? Because we have:
Momentum from recent research
A current permit for ‘forest scale’ restoration trials on the Tasman Peninsula in 2022
A highly experienced team that has the operational capacity to make progress right now
Ideal oceanographic conditions - the highly influential El Niño Southern Oscillation cycle is in a relatively cool phase
