Media Updates

Global kelp forests - unknown but significant ecosystems

Ever heard of ocean forests? They're larger than the Amazon and more productive than we thoughtOur ocean forests of seaweed are enormous. But these quick-growing, life-supporting forests are already vanishing.

The work of scientists across the world to bring kelp forests back (Report from Sydney University)

Help for our kelp: the global movement to restore our underwater forestsMarine ecologists from UNSW Sydney have pieced together the untold history of kelp forest management around the world. The findings will help us understand how we can bring this vital ecosystem back from the brink.

Source: UNSW

https://news.unsw.edu.au/en/help-for-our-kelp--the-global-movement-to-restore-our-underwater?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

PODCASTS: Manly Seaweed Forests Festival 2021

The success for restoration efforts in Tasmania.

Good for evaluation of the management strategy outlined in the notes.

Is replanting giant kelp in Tasmanian waters working?Once you might not have needed an anchor when you put a boat out in Tasmania, you could just tie onto the dense kelp forests. In recent decades, though, 95% of giant kelp has vanished from local waters. A year ago, tiny plates seeded with kelp were bolted to the sea floor across three sites and now its seems their growth is a glimmer of hope for the endangered plant.

Source: ABC Radio https://www.abc.net.au/radio/hobart/programs/your-afternoon/giant-kelp-restoration-progress/13576742?utm_medium=social&utm_content=sf250238484&utm_campaign=abc_hobart&utm_source=m.facebook.com&sf250238484=1&fbclid=IwAR3JKd3MklMH5pXD76kBWhQ_h4-dGJUhM73stYXFi3tup9VL1ztku3OhuBw

‘Really worth a crack’: bringing Tasmania’s giant kelp forests back from the brinkReseeding a half-hectare of seabed with microscopic giant kelp is a modest start to an ambitious aim: rebuilding an entire ecosystem

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/13/really-worth-a-crack-bringing-tasmanias-giant-kelp-forests-back-from-the-brink?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Sustainable Sardine Fishing on the GSR ( WA)

Source: https://www.facebook.com/greatsouthernreef/

Make sure to join the "Teachers of the Great Southern Reef" Facebook page to learn more about a new video and lesson by Ocean Imaging that will be featured in new GSR educational materials focusing on sustainable fisheries.

Sardines are a valuable economic resource in Australia, with the commercial ﬁshery generating over $27 million in 2016–2017 from approximately 44,000 tonnes of wild-caught sardines.

"Sardine Fisher Graeme Drew has been fishing the waters of Bremer Bay for over two decades. He, more than anyone, understands the importance of caring for the valuable fish stocks in the bay, as well as conserving the important seagrass meadow habitat that supports the fish.

Graeme Drew is proud of the high quality of his Bremer Bay fish. Selling his catch predominantly to the recreational fishing industry.

While the large net may ring alarm bells for some, Drew is highly conscious of the impact of his fishery. “Techniques have changed a lot over the years. On the specially designed purse net we have a two meter skirt on the bottom. This means we look after the habitat, the ribbon weed. The fish rely on the ribbon weed in the bay and we have to maintain it.”

Source: https://www.facebook.com/greatsouthernreef/

Surfers raising awareness

GSR recently joined forces with World Surfing League to help surfers and fans around the world learn more about our incredible coastline and ecosystem, during the recent Margaret River Pro surf comp. Our people played a big part in bringing awareness and restoration efforts to the stunning southwest WA coast and region, helping to kick off one of the world's most-watched international surfing competitions. 2022