water Arch Cove, where most of our efforts were focused in 2014, extensive
surveys mapped out 13 acres of reef completely dominated by urchin barrens.
With so much work to be done, we focused our efforts in quarter-acre plots
that we could re-visit and systematically clear. Underwater, we always work
along a baseline transect line that is laid between two sub-surface marker
buoy’s we call “smiley’s” for obvious reasons (see picture). This baseline
ensures that we are working in the exact same spot and are able to track and
monitor our progress. Within days after clearing purple urchins, a film of
algae begins to grow on the reef and about a week later, small kelp plants
begin to establish themselves. A month later the reef really
begins to transform as the newly established kelp start to take
off and begin growing towards the surface. Just over three
months later, the reef is completely unrecognizable as M.
pyrifera creates a thick and lush canopy that reaches the surface. Diving through this newly “re-built” kelp forest is truly
rewarding, especially knowing that you have contributed
to its restoration in a hands on way. A great video from The
Bay Foundation that shows this process through time can be
found here
Currently, we have moved down the coast to Hawthorne cove
and we have already begun clearing patches of reef dominated by urchins. In 2015, our goal is to restore 25 more acres of
reef along Palos Verdes. The progress that was made in 2014
could not be accomplished if it weren’t for our incredible
team of volunteer divers. The time and effort they have spent
underwater has directly facilitated the restoration of the kelp
and aided in putting this vital near-shore ecosystem back into
balance.
By
Ian Jacobson
TM