The Tasmanian Smart Seafood Partnership (TSSP) has co-invested in the first phase of a giant kelp restoration project. Run by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), this project is supported by the National Environmental Science Program’s Marine Biodiversity Hub and the Climate Foundation.
Over the past few decades, Tasmania has lost 95% of its surface canopy-forming giant kelp due to warming waters. These magnificent underwater forests contribute to carbon sequestration through photosynthesis, and are a unique and integral part of Tasmania’s marine ecosystems. The project aims to repopulate areas of giant kelp with individuals that can withstand warmer waters, to a stage where they will self-recruit. “Restoring these endangered habitats will support Tasmanian marine biodiversity and hopefully provide increased resilience to our critically important marine environments into the future”, says IMAS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cayne Layton.
The TSSP team is also working on developing community and education resources about marine habitat restoration to complement their seafood-related resources. More details on the TSSP and giant kelp can be found here, or visit the IMAS website to read more about the giant kelp restoration project.
The TSSP is hosted by NRM South and works in partnership with the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council. It is funded by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment through round one of the National Landcare Program’s Smart Farming Partnerships.