‘Restoration through Harvest’ is an innovative kelp-restoration project that is underpinned by a highly collaborative approach that brings together Indigenous Owners, fishers, conservationists and leading experts in coastal ecology and resource management from NSW.

We worked with WWF to shoot b-roll and interviews to promote this work.

‘Kelp forests are among the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, and are severely threatened by increases in sea urchin numbers which leads to overgrazing and barren reefs. In NSW, the ‘Centro’ urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii has created barrens along ~50% of shallow reefs.The intensive removal of Centro can lead to the re-establishment of kelp forests within months. The removed urchins are a valuable fisheries commodity that can finance kelp restoration. Roe is a delicacy across multiple cultures facing growing demand, and urchin waste can also be crushed and used as an organic soil ameliorant and agricultural fertiliser.

This project brings together scientists, fishers, government managers and indigenous groups to synergistically combine the restoration of kelp forests in NSW with enhancement of Sea Country and commercially and ecologically sustainable urchin harvesting. The return of kelp forests would restore Sea Country to historical states and return rich ecosystems of fish and invertebrates, as well as draw carbon from the atmosphere.’

The work:

• Pre-production including vessel organisation

• Underwater Cinematography

• Safety Diving

• Post production: colour grading

Film stills: