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
- ANL collaborates with the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to launch the project
- Deployment of special ‘warm-tolerant’ kelp has begun
ANL, a shipping company specialised in moving cargo to/from Oceania and beyond, announces the launch of 'The K-Help Initiative', the company’s newest project aiming to protect marine biodiversity, focusing on the regeneration of giant kelp forests around the south-eastern part of Tasmania, Australia. Operating under the CMA CGM Group a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, ANL shares the commitment to ‘Better Ways’ and as such is engaged in a number of sustainability initiatives. Being a leader in shipping in the Oceania region, the company places great importance on the health of the ocean and marine biodiversity, one of the Group’s CSR policy’s pillars.
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".
'The K-Help Initiative' aims to assist in the regeneration of giant kelp forests around Tasmania
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 underwater kelp patches at Fortescue Bay, Tasmania which have the capacity to help the planted giant kelp grow as much as 12 metres in 12 months. ANL’s financial support will especially benefit the research, breeding, out-plating and subsequent monitoring of the introduced warm-tolerant giant kelp species.
Giant Kelp, an essential part of the ocean’s ecosystem
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 and limit global warming. It’s also an essential structure in marine habitats and provides a significant part of the oxygen we consume.1 Giant kelp is not only the largest species of seaweed, but the largest of all the 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 50 cm in one day under perfect conditions.
Supporting the Project
ANL's Managing Director, Shane Walden 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 south-east coastline.”
Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity at UTAS and, head of the project, Craig Johnson says, “Tasmania has lost at least 95% of its giant kelp forests as a result 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.”
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