The Nature Conservancy is actively working to restore golden and giant kelp forests in South-east Australia with an initial focus (~2 years) in Port Phillip (golden kelp – Ecklonia radiata and mixed Fucales) and the east coast of Tasmania (giant kelp – Macrocystis pyrifera). This is a collaborative effort with a number of partners. Over the last half century, giant kelp in Tasmania has undergone a dramatic decline of 95%, with only isolated pockets remaining. Golden kelp has also experienced significant decline in Port Phillip with 90% loss in some regions. The continued loss of kelp ecosystems is impacting ocean health and coastal community wellbeing through the loss of ecosystem benefits such as habitat provisioning for ecologically, commercially and recreationally important marine species, protection of coastlines, nutrient removal and cultural and social values.
