Restoration Objective:
The forests of Eisenia cokeri are distributed in continuous patches of high densities along the north-central Peruvian coast (Ancash region). Even though E. cokeri can also be found in the northern and southern Peruvian coast—conforming discontinuous patches constituted by small individuals (Uribe pers. obs.)—the scientific explanation about this dense and restricted distribution in Ancash region is lacking. Similar to other species of Laminariales, the habitat constructed by E. cokeri could be considered as reefs favouring high levels of biodiversity). Recently, artisanal fishermen have shown interest in considering E. cokeri as a commercial species, due to the high profits generated by the extraction and commercialization of similar species in southern Peru. The harvest of kelps on the southern coast of Peru is controlled by the government, which prohibits direct harvesting, transport, and commercialization; however, the fishermen can request to increase the government extraction quotas based on previous assessment of the biomass. Unfortunately, the ecological effect propagated by this activity is unknown.
Site Selection Criteria:
The coastline of the Ancash region, north-centre of Peru is characterized by cliffs, small inlets, areas of breakers, and abundant shallows distributed along semi-exposed and protected areas to the waves. The hard bottom is very irregular and forms a platform-type projection of intertidal volcanic rocks with the presence of small and large stones and blocks, interrupted by patches of sand, and accumulation of ground shell and pebbles to 10–12 m of depth approximately.
