Golden kelp forests in Port Phillip have undergone significant decline in the last two decades predominantly because of the great abundance and overgrazing by native purple urchins (Heliocidaris erythrogramma) and warming waters. Urchin barrens have replaced kelp forest across more than 60% of reefs in Port Phillip Bay (~13km2), with up to 90% of golden kelp forests lost from some parts of Port Phillip Bay. Without intervention, further losses of these important ecosystems is predicted.

This project aims to trial and develop techniques to address the loss of golden kelp forests in Port Phillip Bay, by managing urchin abundance and restoring golden kelp forests at scale on rocky reefs in Port Phillip Bay. The project aims to conduct active restoration in up to 1 hectare of urchin barrens in northern Port Phillip Bay and to reduce urchin numbers in at least 4 hectares, to levels that allow for passive and active recovery, while protecting a further 21 hectares of remnant kelp and macroalgae habitat from urchin encroachment. The project aims to trial and develop different techniques for cultivation and outplanting golden kelp, including using green gravel, twine and transplanting methods.