The reef repair hub from IMAS continue monitoring remnant giant kelp forests across Tasmania, to better understand reference conditions for restoration efforts and to identify natural forests that could benefit from passive restoration efforts (e.g. urchin removal) to augment the resilience of these forests.
Last week the team was in north eastern Tasmania diving some incredible reefs with healthy giant kelp populations and very healthy abundances of some of the GSR’s most iconic species such as weedy sea dragons, rock lobster, ornate cowfish and pencil urchins.
“It was incredible to see reefs in such terrific health in a region that has suffered devastating losses of kelp forests due to ocean warming and sea urchin overgrazing.” explained Dr. Scott Bennett. These reefs offer an encouraging example of resilience and exciting lessons of how giant kelp forests can survive into the future in Tasmania.
News Source: Great Southern Reef Foundation