Bull Kelp Movement

Southern Bull Kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) thrives amidst the relentless tides and swells. Remarkably resilient, attaching to rocky reefs by a large disc-shaped holdfast, their dark brown leathery branches (thallus) can reach a lengths in excess of ten metres. Individual bull kelps can weigh up to 75kg! Growing in the southeast regions of the Great Southern Reef within environments characterised by high surge and surf. A cool water species, most of the southern bull kelp of the GSR is found in Victoria and Tasmania. These seaweeds grow smaller where summer water temperatures rise to 19°C, but grow best where the temperature does not rise above 15°C. With our oceans warming and marine heatwaves becoming more frequent, scientists are cautiously monitoring southern bull kelp populations. Southern Bull kelp forests become important nursery areas and sanctuaries for many species of fish, crustaceans, suspension feeders and other invertebrates, by providing shelter from predators and currents. Beyond its ecological value, Bull Kelp is a nutritional powerhouse. Bull Kelp is a good source of trace minerals that well-up from the bottom of the sea. It is harvested for use in medicine (it is particularly popular in natural medicines), as a fertiliser and as feed in aquaculture.