Restoration Objective:
Experiment comparing five different bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) restoration methods (gravel, cobble, tiles, twine and direct seeding) inside an urchin exclosure.
Site Selection Criteria:
Site was selected based on mapping of historic kelp extent. No Nereocystis has naturally grown at this site in the last couple of years. Site was also selected based on suitable substrate for kelp growth and installation of an urchin exclusion fence.
Cause Of Decline:
Suspected causes are heat stress and grazing pressure from sea urchins.
Organisation:
The Kelp Rescue Initiative is a non-profit based at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC, Bamfield, British Columbia, Canada), developing science-backed solutions to kelp restoration. KRI leads and supports kelp restoration in British Columbia, through rigorous science, innovation, collaboration and by providing education and resources on kelp status, trends and restoration expertise.
