Background:
While rainforests are widely recognized for their role in biodiversity and carbon capture, kelp forests in coastal waters are equally vital. A recent study in Australia found that kelp forests sequester 1.3–2.8 teragrams (1.3–2.8 million tons) of carbon annually, accounting for 30% of the country’s blue carbon storage. Globally, kelp forests and other macroalgae remove over 600 million tons of carbon each year—twice the amount emitted by the UK, according to marine ecologist Dr. Ian Hendy. Kelp also supports coastal biodiversity by oxygenating water, protecting marine species that sustain fisheries, filtering pollutants, and reducing coastal erosion by buffering storm impacts. Along the Sussex coast, a 40-kilometer kelp forest once covered 177 square kilometers of seabed, serving as one of the planet's most productive marine habitats. Unfortunately, over 96% of these forests have been lost since the late 20th century due to storms, pollution, trawling, and climate change. In 2021, the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority implemented a byelaw banning trawling across 300 square kilometers of seabed, one of the largest protected inshore areas worldwide. However, kelp regeneration faces challenges from high levels of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in Sussex Bay. These sediments block light, hindering photosynthesis and preventing kelp growth, which disrupts ecosystems dependent on kelp for habitat. To ensure progress in restoring kelp forests and the marine life they sustain, the composition and ecological impacts of SPM in Sussex Bay must be better understood. Addressing this issue is key to unlocking the full potential of kelp as a climate and biodiversity ally.
Mission:
To restore the kelp forests off Sussex's coast and support broader coastal recovery efforts, understanding the sources, composition, and impacts of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is critical. In collaboration with the Blue Marine Foundation, University of Sussex doctoral student Marianne Glascott is leading research to address these gaps. Supervised by ecologist Professor Mika Peck, an expert in aquatic ecotoxicology, this work will guide policies for better coastal management and contribute to regional NetZero carbon goals.
Key Research Areas:
- SPM Distribution and Variability: Analyze SPM levels, turbidity, and light attenuation in Sussex Bay to understand its spatial and compositional variation. Field measurements will cover both lateral and vertical distribution in the study and trawling exclusion zones.
- SPM Impact on Kelp: Investigate how SPM affects kelp growth and development at various life stages using ecotoxicology testing of local sediments and water against native kelp species. Develop protocols for testing and assessing these impacts in both lab and field conditions.
- SPM Modelling: Profile and model SPM dynamics, establishing how these influence kelp recovery. Identify environmental bottlenecks affecting local kelp lifecycles.
Research Impacts & Applications:
Expected Outcomes:
- Comprehensive analysis of Suspended Particulate Matter distribution and its impact on light availability for kelp restoration.
- Development of ecotoxicology test protocols for kelp, enabling future research without animal testing.
- Establishment of a Kelp Laboratory at the University of Sussex to support cultivation and testing of native kelp species (e.g., Laminaria hyperborea, Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima).
- Insights into how turbidity and light limitations affect kelp recovery, bridging lab findings with real-world applications.
- A detailed Suspended Particulate Matter budget and dynamic profile to inform strategies for kelp forest restoration and coastal ecosystem recovery in Sussex Bay.
This research will provide critical data to advance kelp rewilding efforts and protect the biodiversity and carbon storage potential of our coastal ecosystems.