Blue Carbon Methodology
This KFF initiative is designed to create a methodology to validate and monetise the carbon sequestration impact of giant kelp afforestation. The research undertaken by KFF will add to the scientific foundation that supports the development of a new voluntary carbon protocol for carbon sequestration of giant kelp aquaculture which will allow future kelp farmers to monetise the positive carbon impact of their activities.
Giant kelp forests are one of the largest carbon sinks on the planet but the role of kelp aquaculture has been relatively unexplored despite its great potential to reduce CO2 concentration and sea water acidity. Giant kelp is often overlooked in ‘Blue Carbon’ assessments – the term used for how marine photosynthetic organisms mitigate climate change and sequester carbon.
It is believed that giant kelp forests can contribute more than mangroves, seagrass meadows and salt marshes combined.
KFF hopes as a result of their research it will demonstrate the value of giant kelp forests to society and ensure giant kelp will be included in the definition of ‘Blue Carbon’.
The goal of KFF is to increase the awareness of the multiple ecosystem services of kelp forests and ensure this knowledge is publicly available to companies, governments, regulators, NGOs, academics, future kelp farmers and other stakeholders.
KFF will do this by participating in and organising conferences, webinars and events and organise youth outreach programs to increase ocean sensitisation and education.
We primarily use social media and film to disseminate valuable content and reach a wider audience.
Macrocystis Seed Bank
KFF plans to create a Macrocystis pyrifera seed bank for the purposes of research, cultivation and conservation. By collecting genetic material from wild giant kelp forests around the world, then securing and storing it in the Hortimare seed bank, KFF will ensure the genetic preservation and proliferation of giant kelp for the future.
KFF plans to co-sponsor an all-female zero-emission collection and research sailing expedition to source kelp spores from existing wild kelp beds globally. Collection areas of this expedition include Argentina, Chile, Falklands, Beagle Channel, Tristan da Cunha, Tasmania, New Zealand and California.
This will contribute to ongoing research, restoration efforts and to support future kelp farmers.
macrocystis seed bank
Zero Emission Collection & Research Sailing Expedition
Buenos Aires – Ushuaia/Beagle Passage – Falkland Islands – South Georgia – Tristan da Cunha/Gough Island – Luderitz
Luderitz – Kerguelen – Ile Amsterdam – Tasmania – New Zealand
New Zealand – Tierra del Fuego/Beagle Passage – Los Lagos – Santiago – Peru – Baja California – California
California – Oregon – Washington – British Columbia – Alaska
The fate of our ocean depends on the actions of current and future generations. With this in mind, we want to build the next generation of ocean lovers to help protect the health of the oceans and make them thrive again.
We believe that there should be open access to the ocean so that everyone can appreciate its marvels, such as kelp forests, and learn about the severe threats of climate change and human impact to these ecosystems. Our marine education, skills and capacity building programmes will help bring the ocean and its marine inhabitants alive and spark interest in protection marine ecosystems. We are supporting the future ocean custodians to by giving them the knowledge, skills, experience and passion for this field.
Our Ocean Literacy program starts in Namibia, where we aim to connect Namibian children and youth to the ocean despite their existing geographic and/or financial limitations.
- Robotics lab: teaching the basics of robotics to create new oceanographic equipment with salvaged materials starting in Luderitz.
- Ocean education: ocean-focused extra-curricular activities such as sea scouts and stand cubs as well as lifesaver programmes and swimming lessons.
- Livelihoods and capacity building: improving livelihoods and building capacity is necessary to support the future generation of ocean kelp farmers, scientists, and coastal communities so that they benefit from the opportunities offered by the creation of a new seaweed cultivation sector. We focus on capacity building and gender equality to support an equitable future.
Luderitz Community-led Tidal Pool
Luderitz, in Namibia, enjoys a unique coastal environment – the meeting point between untouched, pristine desert and the ocean where the rich waters of the Benguela Current support a wide variety of life. Unfortunately, many of the residents in the town are not able to access or enjoy these waters: the vast majority of them cannot swim and there is currently no existing public facility where this can be learned. As many as 10 children and adults drown in Luderitz every year due to a lack of swimming competency and a lack of life-saving resources at public beaches.
In order to give an opportunity for all those who wish to learn to swim, we want to create a safe and beautiful place to take swimming lessons and to enjoy the sea. This place will be the Luderitz tidal pool, a natural pool that is self-sustaining, uses no chemicals, pool water or pumped water, as the tides replenish the water. The pool will be accessible for all residents of Luderitz and visitors alike. It will also have a café and a community building to create social interaction and a fun place for youth and adults to meet, as well as a new source of employment for a catering team. It will also become a knowledge hub to teach the youth not only about the sea but also about sustainability and recycling.
Developing swimming skills in the community will not only save lives, connect the population to their ocean but also help create the next generation of ocean scientists and kelp custodians who will be able to visit and monitor the kelp forests (wild and cultivated) by swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in them.
The design phase for the tidal pool and the community house has been completed by a team of students from the Netherlands and Namibia. We are very eager to start building this sorely-needed safe space for swimming and lifesaving lessons. Our aim is to have the pool and community house ready by 2024 – and we need your help in realising this. We are now fundraising for this project to reach USD 258,000 that will allow us to build the pool and community house.