Kelp: one of the most magical ecosystems isn't on land
In collaboration with
A Giant Fight Against Climate Change
The Tasmanian kelp forest unlocking the secret to ocean health
What is kelp?
Although it may look similar, kelp is not a plant - it's a large brown algae or seaweedthat thrives in cold, nutrient-rich waters. Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) can grow over 35 meters long and up to 1/2 meter each day!
Kelp is world's biggest marine habitat
Over 750 million people live within 50 km of a kelp forest. Thousands of animal species depend on them for food, shelter, nurseries, medicine, and more.
Kelp forests naturally capture CO2
Kelp forests have the ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere faster than trees on land. They exude oxygen and help restore vital nutrients in the ocean.
The world's longest, continuous kelp forest
Australia's Great Southern Reef is an interconnected system of temperate reefs, spanning 8,000km of southern coastline. Although 70% of Australians live within 50 km of it, most don’t know it exists.
Most of the GSR's species are endemic
The reef boasts some of the highest levels of marine biodiversity on earth. Up to 80% of the reef's species are endemic - meaning they can’t be found anywhere else.
Saving Tasmania's invisible forest
In the GSR, off Tasmania's coastline, lies a huge hidden forest of giant kelp. This invisible forest used to be far bigger but due to rising sea temperatures, 95% is now gone. But, not all hope is lost...
A hope spot for ocean health
Local scientists are studying the Giant Kelp genetics of the remaining 5% in a bid to uncover its heat survival secrets - to regrow and replenish the invisible forest and protect the GSR.
Because we can't save what we can't see
The disappearance of kelp has devastating impacts for biodiversity and marine life in the GSR and around the world. We all share one ocean and with climate change taking its toll, it's important we raise awareness to help kelp.