Jacqui Pocklington1, Paul Carnell2, Jasmine Bursic1, Cayne Layton3, Joshua McIntyre1, Prue Francis1
1Deakin University, Australia - 2RMIT University, Australia - 3Blue Conservation Services, Australia
The Kelp Ecklonia radiata is being lost from subtidal reefs in Port Phillip Bay (Victoria, Australia), due to overgrazing from the native sea urchin Heliocidaris erthryogramma. Loss of this key habitat-forming alga has led to a loss of the marine communities they support, and the development of ‘barrens’ habitat. Building on the success of trials in the northern part of the bay, we are now undertaking restoration in the south. Cultivation of kelp for restoration is very resource intensive, with previous success based on kelp grown on green gravel for up to 10 weeks in laboratory aquaria and outplanted at densities of 1kg/m2 ( 12 green gravel pieces). Reducing the effort required for successful kelp growth is essential for the upscale of restoration efforts. In this trial we are examining whether growth time in aquaria and green gravel outplant density affect kelp survival at a barrens site where urchin populations have been reduced. Kelp was grown from gametophyte cultures to 7 weeks or 3 weeks, then outplanted onto barrens reef (2-3m depth) at low (4 rocks) and high (8 rocks) green gravel densities in 1m2 plots. Urchin numbers, kelp growth, and cover of marine life were monitored in all plots in addition to controls. The results of this trial will be discussed.
Biography
Jacqui is a Marine Ecologist with particular interest in temperate coastal and marine ecosystems. She has cross-sector national and international experience, particularly in marine conservation. Jacqui’s research has investigated the function of marine habitat-forming plants, monitoring the health of marine ecosystems; adaptive management and habitat restoration. She has coordiated multiple citizen science programs, and is the co-chair of the IUCN SSC Seaweed Specialist Group.