A student at Dalhousie University is combining their love for conservation and art to support the restoration of native kelp populations. Kelp, crucial for marine life as a food source and habitat, has suffered a decline in Nova Scotia due to warmer ocean temperatures.
Kit Tymoshuk crafted clay pots designed to nurture baby kelp, inspired by the concept of growing kelp on unconventional surfaces. Securing a grant from Ocean Wise, Tymoshuk gathered wild clay from various locations to create the pots, opting for local materials over commercial clay. After testing the clay for suitability, they settled on a mix of wild clay from Stewiacke and Annapolis Royal, augmented with some commercial clay.
The pots were meticulously designed with textured exteriors to provide a sturdy foundation for the kelp to adhere to and allow optimal light exposure for growth. Drawing inspiration from natural elements like corals and barnacles, Tymoshuk shaped the pots on a pottery wheel in their backyard.
The next step involved introducing kelp spores into a controlled environment at the Aquatron Laboratory, where the pots were submerged to facilitate spore settlement. After five weeks, baby kelp sprouted from the pots, signaling readiness for transfer. Tymoshuk, along with their roommate Teigan Labor, relocated the pots to Cranberry Cove for deployment in the ocean.
Labor, an enthusiastic snorkeller, assisted in placing the pots underwater, marking the culmination of the project that combined artistry with environmental restoration. Tymoshuk hopes that fellow snorkellers will monitor the kelp’s progress and appreciate the underwater art installation. With the expectation of accelerated growth during winter, Tymoshuk anticipates the kelp will soon exhibit its characteristic string-like form.
Tymoshuk plans to revisit the site to check on the kelp’s development and invites others to engage in maintaining and observing this unique underwater venture.