RESTORING GIANT UNDERWATER FORESTS, ONE BLADE AT A TIME.

The article discusses the Love Rimurimu project in New Zealand, which aims to restore giant kelp forests in coastal waters off Wellington. Giant kelp is important for marine ecosystems and has cultural significance for the Māori people. Climate change, warming oceans, sedimentation, and overgrazing by sea urchins are threatening the survival of giant kelp. The project involves cultivating seaweed babies in a nursery and planting them at sea, while also engaging the community in monitoring kelp health. Giant kelp has the potential to help fight climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. The project is also studying the impacts of heat waves and ocean acidification on kelp growth. The Love Rimurimu project involves partnerships with the Māori tribe and volunteers who track the growth and health of planted kelp. [Extracted from the article]