Did you know that sea kelps are hugely important marine habitats? Or that there may be as much kelp forests in the UK oceans as there is native woodland?
Dr Chris Yesson, Research Fellow at ZSL's Institute of Zoology, blogs about his first attempt to survey UK kelp habitat using video and sonar devices mounted on a sea kayak.
Recently, I joined a team from the Natural History Museum and University of Bristol to try out a kayak-based kelp monitoring system. Finding out what is going on under the water is always challenging. We want to find a cheap and quick method for monitoring kelp beds in areas of high conservation value, such as marine conservation zones, or areas where there is wild harvesting.
Kelp are large brown seaweeds, which can create dense 'forests' all around our rocky shores. We estimate there is as much kelp forest around the UK as there is native woodland. Kelp beds are important habitats for fish, crustaceans and many other species. There is increasing interest to use these fast growing algae for a range of commercial purposes, including biofuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and foods.
Our project, led by seaweed expert Juliet Brodie of NHM, and funded by the Crown Estate, is to develop and trial methods to monitor kelp beds around the UK.
On our first experimental field trip in Pembrokeshire we performed seabed surveys with kayaks. One kayak was fitted with a chirp sonar device, which uses sound to profile the seabed. Gary Barker and Chris Belas from University of Bristol had designed a waterproofing system for the batteries and monitor, basically a lunchbox with a hole for cable, sealed to be waterproof.
I was in an inflatable kayak, where my role was to film the kelp underwater. IoZ intern Jess Fisher had put together our camera system, which was a small waterproof 'gopro' video camera, along with some dive torches, stuck onto an extendible pole, which I could lower over the side to take images of the sea bed.
Within a short period of time it was apparent there were a number of teething problems, requiring rapid repair. Using my coat as an impromptu rain cover we fixed the sonar without it getting too wet, and all was well. The kelp showed up on the sonar image as 1-2 metre high 'tufts' sticking up from the sea bed. We used this to record the extent of kelp habitat in the area.
Eventually, the rain stopped, and the afternoon survey captured some great footage of kelp on our video, which we will use to validate our interpretations of the acoustic survey.
We received some curious stares from the local fishermen, and we quickly realised that they were strategically placing their pots just outside the kelp zones, apparently to lure the crustaceans out and into their pots while avoiding rope entanglement. This behaviour highlights the importance of the kelp habitat and its integration with humans in the seascape.
We also saw many barrel jellyfish, this bay is known for this species, which is also aptly called the dustbin lid jellyfish or the frilly mouthed jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo), and we took some nice footage of a large specimen almost a metre in size
Our project proved to be a successful pilot of the acoustic monitoring method. It is important that we find practical and cost effective methods for monitoring kelp, particularly given our observations of changes in kelp abundance that may be linked to climate change.
Select a blog
Our people are our greatest asset and we realise our vision for a world where wildlife thrives through their ideas, skills and passion. An inspired, informed and empowered community of people work, study and volunteer together at ZSL.
A blog for lovers of ZSL London Zoo, bringing you extraordinary animal facts and exclusive access to the world's oldest scientific zoo.
Do you love wildlife? Discover more about our amazing animals at the UK's biggest zoo!
We're working around the world to conserve animals and their habitats, find out more about our latest achievements.
From the field to the lab, catch up with the scientists on the cutting edge of conservation biology at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.
A day in Discovery and Learning at ZSL is never dull! The team tell us all about the exciting sessions for school children, as well as work further afield.
Every month, one of the pieces held in ZSL’s Library and at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will feature here as Artefact of the Month.
Read testimonials from our Members and extracts from ZSL's award winning members' magazine, Wild About.
The Chagos archipelago is a rare haven for marine biodiversity. Hear from the team about our projects to protect the environments in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
ZSL works across Asia, from the famous national parks of Nepal to marine protected areas in the Philippines. Read the latest updates on our conservation.
An Open Access journal for research at the interface of remote sensing, ecology and conservation.
