Giant Kelp

Once a defining feature of Tasmania's East Coast, giant kelp forests were so prolific that they were marked on shipping charts, serving as navigational landmarks. Yet, this iconic seascape is under threat, with a staggering 95% decline in giant kelp since the 1940s, a change that has not gone unnoticed by the local diving community. Beyond their awe-inspiring stature, giant kelps are ecological engineers, slowing down water currents and enhancing the recruitment of species like the rock lobster to the coastal reefs of Tasmania. In times past, fishermen would anchor to these kelps, only to find rock lobster larvae released onto their decks, highlighting the critical role these forests play in the marine life cycle. As juvenile lobsters mature, the kelp provides crucial shelter and protection, underscoring the urgent need to understand and address the decline of these underwater giants, ensuring they continue to thrive as a sanctuary for marine life.