Water Motion
Water motion in a Kelp Community
A- current B- surge zone C- boundary layer


THE KELP REFORESTATION PROJECT

What is the Process

To begin the culturing process, a healthy bed must first be chosen. The sites that have been chosen are areas of high up welling and nutrients, and are ideal locations for marine research and development.

Sporophylls, which are the reproductive part of the plant housing the spores, are located at the bottom of the plant. The sporophylls are induced to release their spores which are then grown on ropes. Once the spores reach the juvenile stage, the ropes are transported to the restoration site and attached to the bottom. In three months, juveniles can reach considerable lengths because of the rapid growth rate; within a very short time a healthy bed can be obtained.

The second part of the process involves the actual transplanting of adult plants. Adult sporophytes (whole adult plants with sporophylls attached) are removed by divers, hauled on a boat to the planting site, and reattached using a combination of methods. These plants will provide a healthy bed almost immediately and will also sporulate in the spring.

The kelp reforestation project has global implications for ecosystem restoration and can be used as a pilot to model future activities. It can also be a tool for increasing ecological and environmental awareness.

The Mexican communities within which the work is taking place have been hospitable and encouraging, and the project benefits cross all borders to bring hope and measurable results to the Earth and Ocean. We are convinced that the project is of global importance.

All materials copyright 1998 by H.B.L.