Kelp at Casino Point - how long will it take to return?

[IrnBear]

Very interesting read.
Do you have a picture of this "Invasive Asian" you speak of?

My daughter helped Reef Keepers with a project last year with removal of the ever invasive sea urchin. After weeks of counting and counting and counting, "Hammer Time". She really enjoyed the work.

IrnBear

 

[drbill]

Interesting and informative. I am wondering how long does it take for Kelp to grow to over 50 feet? Is it possible to plant kelp in areas where environment may be favorable? Has this happened anywhere?

Yes, it has been done, mostly for kelp restoration projects by Neushul Mariculture, Nancy Caruso and others. Under optimal conditions Macrocystis (giant kelp) is reported to grow at rates up to 24" per day although 12" is a more reasonable number.

---------- Post added October 2nd, 2014 at 07:57 PM ----------

Very interesting read.
Do you have a picture of this "Invasive Asian" you speak of?

My daughter helped Reef Keepers with a project last year with removal of the ever invasive sea urchin. After weeks of counting and counting and counting, "Hammer Time". She really enjoyed the work.

IrnBear

There are several of my "Dive Dry with Dr. Bill" columns that talk about this invasive species (formerly Sargassum filicinum, now S. horneri) and have pictures:

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column