Kelp Research - What's New?

Early Kelp Observations
 
 

Southport is situated on the south part of Recherche Bay,...but that on the NW side, although there is a depth of 3 fathoms, is so choked with weeds, that it was with difficulty a boat could pass.  The Australian Directory, 1830 (p.209)

 

Some of our oldest records of Giant Kelp distribution in Tasmania have been obtained from the early voyages of the British Admiralty charting the coastline of Tasmania. On these voyages, Giant Kelp beds were a recognised navigational hazard for sail vessels, and the distribution of kelp was recorded in both in journals, and also, on navigational charts. 
 
 
 

Maps of Prosser Bay (Orford), surveyed by the British Admiralty in 1884  (US Hydrographic Office Chart 1925)
Maps of Adventure Bay (Bruny Island),             surveyed by the British Admiralty 1860-1931            (US Hydrographic Office Chart 1925)

 
 

Mapping of Giant Kelp in Tasmania - Current Progress

The project is currently utilising a variety of data sources to document the past and present distribution of Giant Kelp in Tasmania.  This includes early navigational charts (late 1800's - 1930's), aerial photographs (1946 - present), survey and harvesting information from the Giant Kelp harvesting industry, ie. Alginates Australia (1965-1975), aerial surveys by the community group, `SeaCare', and recent field surveys by TAFI (2001).   Landsat satellite imagery is being investigated to provide a broadscale assessment of the current distribution of kelp beds.

Preliminary maps of Giant Kelp distribution in Tasmania are now available `on-line' for the east coast and south east coast and selected locations on the north coast. 
 

How You Can Help !

Despite the range and diversity of data sources, however, there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge of kelp distribution, both for particular geographic regions (ie. west coast, north coast, south coast), and also, for particular time periods (ie. 1940s-1970s).  Until recently, there has also been limited field survey information.  This information  is vital to check the accuracy of the aerial photography.

In addition, direct observations or historical accounts of Giant Kelp by the public can provide a valuable way to check the accuracy of the existing data.  If you have any recollections or observations, check out our `on-line' kelp maps and fill out our  `on-line' KelpWatch survey form.