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ANL launches The K-Help Initiative, their latest marine regeneration project

The initiative focuses on the restoration of giant kelp forests in south-east Australia.

Operating under the CMA CGM Group, ANL shares the commitment to "Better Ways" and as such is engaged in several sustainability initiatives. The CMA CGM Group is committed to acting for People, Planet, and Fair Trade, and notably initiated multiple projects worldwide to protect marine biodiversity, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Goal N°14 "Life Below Water". Here, the K-Help Initiative is their newest project and focuses on protecting marine biodiversity, focusing on the regeneration of giant kelp forests around the south-eastern part of Tasmania, Australia. To launch the project, ANL collaborates with the University of Tasmania (UTAS).

The Aim of the K-Help Initiative

As a result of climate change the giant kelp forests in the near Antarctic waters of Tasmania have almost completely vanished, causing detrimental damage to the area’s marine biodiversity. To combat the impacts of climate change, experts in the field have been researching super strains of giant kelp which would be selectively reintroduced to re-establish these forests and the ecosystems they support. Partnering with UTAS, ANL have been able to support two new underwater kelp patches at Fortescue Bay, Tasmania which have the capacity to aid kelp growth of as much as 12 meters in 12 months.

The importance of Giant Kelp

Seaweed is an integral part of the ocean’s ecosystem. It absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphorous which helps to keep the water clean. It’s also an essential structure in marine habitats and provides upwards of 50% of the oxygen we consume. Giant kelp is not only the largest species of seaweed but the largest of all marine algae. The species of giant kelp this project is focused on is also one of the fastest growing in the world and has been known to grow upwards of 50cm in one day under perfect conditions.

Supporting the Project

Shane Walden, ANL's Managing Director, says: 

"The effects of climate change on marine biodiversity are being felt not only in Australia but around the world. It’s important we understand not only the impact rising temperatures are having on the ocean, but where and how we can help to combat this. We are looking forward to working with UTAS and further developing this partnership as the work they are doing is crucial in supporting the health of our southeast coastline.”

Craig Johnson, Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity at UTAS and, head of the project says:

“Tasmania has lost at least 95% of its giant kelp forests because of ocean warming, and so efforts at restoration of this iconic habitat and selective breeding of warm-tolerant giant kelp genotypes are paramount. The partnership with ANL as part of the CMA CGM Group is important to this effort because it has allowed us to trial additional seed patches of giant kelp and to step through one more generation in the selective breeding process.”

Website: ANL