Academic Research

We exist to fill the gaps in science around the various ecosystem services of giant kelp forests, wild and cultivated. We connect and collaborate with the best international universities and research institutions to achieve this.

Our research program will further the understanding of the ecological role of kelp forests in marine ecosystems and their impact on biodiversity, water geochemistry, their potential to sequester carbon, and the benefits of kelp products.

Students from Namibian and international universities are co-funded to complete relevant MSc and PhDs

International Research Institutions co-supervise the students to increase knowledge transfer

Carbon Sequestration

Biodiversity

Avoided Emissions of kelp-based products

Carbon Sequestration

Biodiversity

Avoided Emissions of kelp-based products

Areas of research

Carbon Sequestration

How much and at what rate is kelp carbon sequestered in the deep ocean forever?

Giant kelp has the potential to sequester CO2 from surface waters. Current research is indicating that this potential is larger than on land ecosystems.

The kelp carbon sequestration potential is our biggest focus area, as we aim to quantify the carbon sequestration potential by setting up models, confirming these models with biogeochemistry research and field data, and fostering the development of innovative tools and verification techniques. We want to understand how much and at what rate carbon can be sequestered in sediments and the deeper layer of the oceans for long periods of time, which can help us fight climate change.

Research papers in development

CO2 Removal Pathway Modelling System of DOC and POC from Luderitz, global model.

Characterize the carbon, nutrient and metal budget of the kelp forest (pH, DIC, N, P, 13C and various trace metals which would feed into the above modelling work).

BASELINE carbon balance/ocean buffering, pH, oxygen levels, metals etc.

Validation by sediment sampling in Namibia (and later in other locations).

Deep ocean sediment, e-DNA fingerprinting of macroalgae, seaweed makers, organic isotope.

Chemical composition of Macrocystis including DOC sloshing.

Local Kelp Forest Geochemical Impact - changes in local Ph, carbon buffering impact in existing local wild kelp beds e.g. in Halifax Island, beds, geochemical, plant biomass estimates, sediments.

Local geochemical impact from Kelp Blue pilot arrays – nitrogen, phosphorus, metals, pH.

Local impact from Kelp Blue pilot arrays – under array deposition/sediment.

Modelling of pilot array impacts at scale, geochemical (global impact).

Quantifying the CO2 sequestration potential of giant kelp forests.

Biodiversity

We will further the understanding of the role of cultivated giant kelp forests in marine environments by performing baseline studies, assessing their impact on existing ecosystems and their role as marine habitats. We study the potential of cultivated kelp forests to create spawning and nursery grounds.

Research papers in development:

Biodiversity of the Benguela Current (fauna and flora) – in tandem with/paired with the MSc on Ocean Geochemistry

Local biodiversity impact on existing coastal kelp beds – in tandem with/paired with the MSc on Local kelp beds geochemical impact.

Seabed biodiversity impact of kelp farming - impact on the pyramid abundance on biodiversity of our pilot array

Biodiversity impact of kelp farming at micro level e.g. plankton.

Biodiversity impact of kelp farming at macro level e.g. fish, squid, crustaceans, molluscs.

Biodiversity impact of kelp farming on migratory fauna e.g. seals

Biodiversity impact of kelp farming on birds.

Biodiversity impact of kelp farming on spawning species e.g. sardines. Level:

Biodiversity impact of kelp farming on the seabed under the array.

Biodiversity of wild giant kelp forests: a global study

Avoided Emissions & Other

Avoided emissions – quantify the avoided emissions from the use of kelp products such as bio-stimulants, bio-packaging and textiles.

Avoided emissions – Understanding the impact of kelp biostimulant on plant physiology

Socio Economic & Livelihoods – what are the social and livelihood impacts/benefits on coastal communities of the large scale cultivated kelp forests.

Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance best Practice – what are the best practices to create a sustainable industry.

Processing - what are the most sustainable processing techniques for kelp products.