OCEAN ISSUES:
TASMANIAN GIANT KELP ON THE DECLINE

1 minute movie

Tasmanian’s giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is the world’s largest and fastest growing marine plant. During the winter months, it can grow up to 70cm per day and can reach upwards 30 metres from the seafloor. The giant kelp forests provide food and shelter to a huge community of sea creatures including fur seals, swell sharks, fishes, crabs, lobsters.

Kelp has been recorded in Tasmanian waters for more than 200 years, unfortunately over the last twenty years the kelp has declined significantly and receded southwards. It is now only found around the southern parts of Tasmania including South Bruny island and around the Maatsuyker Islands. The reason for this decline is clear. It's the influence of the warming waters of the Eastern Australian Current which has increased its speed by 25% in the last 15 years. This current brings the warmer water further southwards, lessening the influence of the nutrient rich cold Southern Ocean currents. The kelp needs to nutrients and cold-water conditions.

For anyone lucky enough to swim or dive around giant kelp it is an enchanting experience, floating about the gently swaying fronds. If you want to see this spectacular Tasmanian kelp, don’t delay!