Ocean Wise Canada - Barkley Sound

Restoration Project

Ocean Wise Canada - Barkley Sound

Restoration Objective:

Ocean Wise, in collaboration with the Tseshaht First Nation and West Coast Kelp, is transplanting approximately 2,500 kelp plants to a restoration site in the southern Pinkerton Islands in Barkley Sound. The transplant process, known to First Nations in B.C., involves removing a juvenile kelp plant from a farm or nearby kelp forest, moving it to the restoration site, attaching the holdfast (roots) to a rock, and sinking the kelp onto the restoration site. Our objective is to bolster already existing kelp beds to prevent a phase shift in the area, increase biodiversity, contribute to economic stability for the Tseshaht First Nation, and support fisheries in the area.

Site Selection Criteria:

The site was chosen based on four main criteria: aspect, substrate, presense of giant kelp, and slope. The southern Pinkerton Islands provided a variety of areas with appropriate conditions for giant kelp. As well, the site is located within the traditional, unceded territory of the Tseshaht First Nation.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Imbalance

Climate Change

Ocean warming

Organisation:

Ocean Wise Canada

Site Observations:

Observation Date

23rd Jul 2024 – 26th Jul 2024

Action Summary:

Ocean Wise went out with the Tseshaht First Nation to select a site for restoration.

Lessons Learned:

Using local and indigenous knowledge is just as important as referring to historical data when choosing a restoration area.

Project Outcomes:

We chose a site around Capstan Island and the southern Pinkerton Islands because of appropriate substrate, presense of giant kelp, and absense of an abundance of predators.

Indicator Data:

Observation Date

9th Sep 2024 – 10th Sep 2024

Action Summary:

We used our ROV to collect baseline data along transects in each pre-determined planting area. We recorded the put-in location, transect length, and a bearing using Avenza Maps and recorded video along each transect. This data will be used to assess restoration success.

Lessons Learned:

When divers are unavailable, the ROV provides an accessible way to collect underwater video for comparison purposes. It is key to make sure you have practice driving the ROV in a straight line to make sure you can replicate the transect later on.

Project Outcomes:

We collected 5 baseline data transect videos and will take our first monitoring videos along these transects in April 2025.

Indicator Data:

Transplant Info:
Life Stage:Adult
Source:Culture

Observation Date

23rd Sep 2024 – 27th Sep 2024

Action Summary:

Ocean Wise (OW), with West Coast Kelp (WCK) and the Tseshaht First Nation (TFN), went out to the restoration site to transplant giant kelp adults. WCK would travel to the farm site, remove giant kelp individuals from lines, and bring them back to the boat. We then attached the individuals to small cobbles using rubber bands and sunk them along previously deliniated restoration areas. We tranplanted almost 1,500 kelps into the restoration site over the course of 4 days.

Lessons Learned:

The method was time consuming and requires many hands on deck to scale. Larger cobbles/rocks would be easier and more effective. Some of the rocks were small and we had to double up to prevent the kelp from floating away. The doubling up of rocks was tricky when using the rubber bands and the process would be faster with larger rocks.

Project Outcomes:

Continuted economic benefits for the TFN through employment opportunities. We are hoping the kelp is able to survive and reproduce in the area.

Area of Restoration (Ha)

4

Distance to nearest kelp forest (in metres)

100

Indicator Data:

Transplant Info:
Life Stage:Adult
Source:Culture
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