Climate potential of kelp forests in Antarctica

Hi there! We are seeking travel funds to measure the Blue Carbon stocks of kelp forests on the Antarctic Peninsula to understand their potential to tackle climate change. The project will improve our understanding of Antarctica’s unique macroalgal ecosystems (i.e., marine, plant and soil biology) and how they trap atmospheric carbon dioxide and support Antarctic foodwebs.

“Blue carbon” ecosystems are known for their ability to mitigate Climate Change, but the enormous potential of macroalgae (including kelp forests) has yet to be realized. The marine forests of Antarctica are likely to be a major store of carbon globally and this function will become increasingly important with continued climate warming. Understanding how much carbon is stored in the leaves and sediments surrounding kelp habitats in the Snowhill Islands and Weddell Sea would be an important step in understanding the role of the Antarctic Peninsula in regulating the globes climate.

Our project will map kelp forests using drones and ROVs, estimate carbon stocks, and study how this macroalgal carbon supports marine foodwebs (i.e., fish, seals and birds) using stable isotope analysis. We have secured space on the world’s first hybrid-electric polar exploration icebreaker departing 2023/2024, but require help with travel and shipping our scientific equipment. We hope to generate new and important scientific knowledge of forest structure and function and at the same time capture some awesome footage of amazing wildlife like whales, seals and penguins in this remote region of the Antarctic Peninsula.

We are committed to this important work in a region undergoing rapid change and so welcome contributions of any amount. We plan to document the research voyage with photos and video and hope to make a documentary. We are keen to engage with supporters and discuss important issues related to the marine environment.