NEWS

 WP4 fieldwork completed!

This workpackage focuses on the effect on kelp farms on the marine benthic ecosystems, including questions like: will the kelp farm function as an “artificial” kelp forest?

First day after Easter, four scientists (Kasper Hancke, Eli Rinde, Hartvig Christie & Trine Bekkby) and two Master students headed off to Frøya collecting kelp and associated animals in a kelp farm and sourrounding natural kelp forests. In order to see if the farmed kelp has any similarities with the natural kelp, animals

were collected both in Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculents forests (as both these species are grown in the farm). Fauna associated with S. latissima seeded out at different times in the farm was also collected.

Animals were also collected in the Laminaria hyperborea kelp forests growing adjacent to the farm to see if the farmed kelp associated fauna was more similar to this species of kelp, growing just outside the farm, or if the farm has a kelp species specific fauna. Fauna traps were put out in the water masses as a control. Addittionally, fish were collected in both the farm, the natural kelp forests and in the water masses. Individual kelps from both the farm and the natural kelp forests were measured and weighed and epiphytic algae brought back to the lab.

Blueye ROV

The new Blueye ROV has arrived and it has been given the name DORY! The name fits well with the new ROVs skills and visuals, as Dory is fast, energetic, curious, blue (and yellow?) and looking out for adventures, but also impulsive and short-minded never remembering where she has just been..