Digital Knowledge System

Restoration of kelp forests through sea urchin removal

Norway

Diver removing sea urchins as part of kelp forest restoration efforts in Norway, supporting ecosystem recovery.

(1) Restore biodiversity through the removal of herbivore sea urchins to facilitate the restoration of kelp forests. (2) Prepare for carbon and biodiversity credit markets by estimating impacts and costs of restoration activities.

Main Target

Biodiversity restoration (sea urchin removal)

Transformative Impact

The impact of the demo will be described at the end of the project implementation. During the implementation of the project in a specific area some intermediary results will be delivered, and all these results will be published to support the dissemination and the sustainability of the project.

Implemented Actions

Volunteer diver removing sea urchins in Troms, Norway to accelerate kelp forest restoration and marine ecosystem recovery.

Kelp forest restoration

Volunteers have carried out hands-on efforts to remove sea urchins and restore kelp forests. These small-scale initiatives serve as proof-of-concept that kelp can return when grazing pressure is reduced.

Community workshop in Troms, Norway coordinating kelp forest restoration initiatives with local fishers and coastal stakeholders.

Community engagement

Key groups who depend on the marine environment—such as fishers, tourism operators, and coastal communities—have been involved in identifying practical solutions for kelp restoration.

Norwegian students learning about kelp forests and sea urchin impacts through hands-on marine science education activities.

Youth education and awareness

Educational activities and the creation of an “underwater garden” have helped spark interest and understanding among young people about the importance of healthy marine ecosystems.

Industry partners in Norway reviewing spatial maps to scale kelp forest restoration and sustainable sea urchin harvesting.

Future planning and industry collaboration

Spatial mapping of kelp forests and urchin barrens, and collaboration with sea urchin harvesters are being developed, to explore how kelp restoration can be scaled up in a sustainable and coordinated way.

Key Indicators

Number of users