University of California institute of Marine Science - Whistler Reef

Restoration Project

University of California institute of Marine Science - Whistler Reef

Restoration Objective:

The objective of restoration efforts was to restore lost Macrocystis forests and their associated biological and economic value.

Site Selection Criteria:

A site was selected with historical Macrocystis beds.

Cause Of Decline:

Two years of abnormally high sea surface temperatures from 1957 - 1959 caused the complete loss of the last remaining Macrocystis stands along Paolo Verde.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Ocean warming

Scientific Paper

Annual Report, Kelp Habitat Improvement Project 1974-1975. California Institute of Technology

W. North
p.147.

Organisation:

University of California Institute of Marine Science

Site Observations:

Observation Date

1st Mar 1967 – 1st Dec 1975

Action Summary:

124 adult Macrocystis were transplanted to Whistler reef between March - September 1967. Plants were moored to buoys strung along 500 feet of chain attached to the back of the boat in order to seed the bottom.

Project Outcomes:

The offspring of transplanted Macrocystis gave rise to a substantial kelp bed that has persisted.

Nature of Disturbance:

Grazing activity was so intense that the transplants were eventually stripped of all blades, and the initial crop of juveniles was almost completely destroyed.

Key Reasons For Decline:

Ocean warming

Area of Restoration (Ha)

1.6

Indicator Data:

Indicator:

Ending Value:

Starting Value:

Presence / Absence of Kelp

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