Restoring Kelp Forests

This specific example originates from Halifax Harbour, a highly degraded cove situated within an industrial shipping district in Nova Scotia, Canada. The first round of scientific monitoring on the reef array took place in April 2022. We found that the majority of the surface area of the Oceanite modules was covered in a foundational community of filamentous algae, but that juvenile kelp sporophytes (5-10 cm) had also colonized the Oceanite. An associated faunal community of sessile invertebrates (e.g. jingles), motile invertebrates (e.g. sea stars), crab communities and fish (e.g. sculpins) was also present. In contrast, the concrete modules were mostly bare, with sparse cover of filamentous algae and no kelp. Lastly, there was a striking influence of depth on the coverage and size of kelp, as the Oceanite module in shallow water had 100% cover of large (~30 cm) kelp sporophytes (Saccharina latissima).

The success of the kelp growth in Halifax Harbour exceeded our initial expectations. Using an underwater robotic camera, we have observed the presence of multiple marine species, such as crabs, sea stars, and fish. Notably, the sea stars have even begun reproducing, resulting in an abundance of baby sea stars adorning our Oceanite modules. This remarkable outcome would not have been possible without the implementation of an IntelliReefs habitat. If our Oceanite IntelliReef modules can flourish in such a highly degraded harbor, it is a testament to their adaptability and effectiveness, making them suitable for various challenging marine environments worldwide. Oceanite is the perfect substrate for kelp holdfasts to attach to by satisfying the need for a secure anchoring point, which can withstand harsh ocean environments. Kelp holdfasts have a strong preference for robust yet porous surfaces, often choosing to settle along cold rocky shorelines. Oceanite's complex system of pores creates more surface area per square inch, optimizing kelp settlement and the potential for kelp forests. Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada

Kelp Research Module Deployment IntelliReefs CAN's first Canadian kelp restoration project deploying off of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. After months of preparation, IntelliReefs successfully deployed the first ReefShip modules in Dartmouth Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada. In total, we deployed 16 ReefShip Modules. The aim of this large scale artificial reef deployment is to ascertain the efficacy and impact of Oceanite for attracting and growing a healthy kelp community. IntelliReefs' ReefShip design mimics the architecture, geology, and chemistry of natural tropical and temperate reefs. ReefShip quickly builds 3D complexity and structure where it has been lost due to climate change, coastal development, and pollution in order to feed and shelter fish and invertebrates, and provide biomimicking substrates that attract and sustain kelp and shellfish species. For this deployment, IntelliReefs had the pleasure of partnering with a local company, Dominion Diving. Dominion Diving is Canada’s superior marine service force based in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1969, the company has earned a solid reputation for pushing the limits and extremes of marine innovation throughout its history.

These videos showcase the growth of kelp on our Oceanite modules in an astonishingly short period, only four months after deployment. This specific example originates from Halifax Harbour, a highly degraded cove situated within an industrial shipping district in Nova Scotia, Canada. Oceanite is the perfect substrate for kelp holdfasts to attach to by satisfying the need for a secure anchoring point, which can withstand harsh ocean environments. Kelp holdfasts have a strong preference for robust yet porous surfaces, often choosing to settle along cold rocky shorelines. Oceanites complex system of pores creates more surface area per square inch, optimizing kelp settlement and the potential for kelp forests. The success of the kelp growth in Halifax Harbour exceeded our initial expectations. Using an underwater robotic camera, we have observed the presence of multiple marine species, such as crabs, sea stars, and fish. Notably, the sea stars have even begun reproducing, resulting in an abundance of baby sea stars adorning our Oceanite modules. This remarkable outcome would not have been possible without the implementation of an IntelliReefs habitat. If our Oceanite IntelliReef modules can flourish in such a highly degraded harbor, it is a testament to their adaptability and effectiveness, making them suitable for various challenging marine environments worldwide.

IntelliReefs & the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 🌊🌎 The Ocean is dying, and we only have time for success. 🌊 Discover How IntelliReefs is Revolutionizing Coral Reef Restoration and Marine Biodiversity 🐠 Welcome to our channel! In this captivating video, we delve into the extraordinary work of IntelliReefs as they champion the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and embark on a groundbreaking mission to safeguard our planet's oceans. 🌐 Learn more about IntelliReefs: https://oceandecade.org/actions/coral-reef-restoration-engaging-local-stakeholders-using-novel-biomimicking-intellireefs/ Endorsed by prestigious organizations like @UNESCO and the @unitednations , IntelliReefs stands at the forefront of innovative solutions to global challenges. The Sustainable Development Goals are more than a vision – they are a blueprint for creating a sustainable and equitable future, addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. 📽️ In this video: IntelliReefs bridges the gap between citizens and institutions, leveraging data-driven science and nanotechnology to construct biodiverse self-healing artificial reef systems. These artificial reefs not only promote the rapid growth of marine biodiversity but also serve as a beacon of hope for ocean restoration. 🔬 Ongoing Research: Witness the incredible results of IntelliReefs' ongoing study in Sint Maarten, where their oceanite-based artificial reefs are proving to be a game-changer. These reefs act as effective substrates for recruiting coral and other associated organisms, creating thriving tropical habitats. 🎶 The Beauty of Collaboration: IntelliReefs serves as a hub for numerous partners to unite and contribute their expertise, all in service of biological diversity, resilience, and the preservation of life. Through their combined efforts, they bring the ocean's ecosystems back to life. 🌱 From Corals to Kelp: Experience the awe-inspiring transformation of IntelliReefs' pilot artificial reef, situated in Halifax Harbor of Nova Scotia, Canada. In just four months, oceanite has demonstrated its potential by effectively recruiting kelp and its associated community, achieving an impressive coverage of up to 70% by marine plants and animals. 🌍 A Pledge to Our Oceans: IntelliReefs possesses the scientific prowess to rebuild and revitalize our oceans, fostering the revival of not only coral reefs but also critical coastal habitats. With an eye on the future, IntelliReefs is pioneering a new era of marine conservation. Join us in celebrating IntelliReefs' commitment to safeguarding our oceans and shaping a sustainable world for generations to come. Don't miss this opportunity to witness their incredible journey as they bring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to life. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring stories of innovation and conservation. Together, we can make a real difference for our planet's most precious ecosystems! 🌏🐋🐢🐳 #IntelliReefs #OceanConservation #SDGs #MarineBiodiversity #SustainableFuture #InnovationForGood Voiceover: Sara Kathryn Ruder from Last Chance Encounters Video editor: Caleb Money -- His Video Page: https://vimeo.com/clmoneyfilms

Empowering Brilliance: All-Women IntelliReefs Team Full Presentation to Earth Law Center Summer Class! On July 19th, 2023 the IntelliReefs Team delivered a talk on the Earth Law Center (ELC) Summer Course! Have a look at the video for a taste of the presentation and an insight into the bioenhancing properties of Oceanite powered IntelliReef systems. Thank you to Tony Zelle for introducing IntelliReefs to the class, and being such a wonderful global partner! The award-winning course is taught by industry experts on a wide range of topics surrounding Earth Law, Ecocide, Indigenous Legalities and Ecocentric Governance. Our team delivered an introductory dive into Oceanite powered IntelliReef systems and their capabilities, as well as some of our future plans in topics like Restorative Ocean Farming. With over 200 participants from over 35 countries in the course, we were thrilled with the level of enthusiastic involvement and stimulating conversations surrounding our reef and kelp systems. In this Oceans and Rivers class we presented alongside some renowned experts in the field of Earth Law: - Rachel Bustamante, who presented on Ocean Rights and some of the advances made at ELC, and globally. - Irikefe Dafe, who presented on the River Ethiope and some of the inspiring advancements made by his team at the River Ethiope Trust Foundation. - Kevin Schneider, who spoke more on Ocean Rights laws and delved into ELCs work with the Southern Resident Orcas. - Dr Rachelle Adam, who presented on the Ein Lavan Springs and their importance in Jerusalem. The Rights of Nature are a deeply important topic, and the work of ELC is something we will continue to support into the future. The combining of Ocean restoration with the all important protection measures that ELC furthers globally is the key to timely Ocean and global protection of Nature.

Discover the wonders of kelp, a brown algae (Phaeophyceae) commonly known as seaweed, and its unique relationship with our innovative Oceanite modules. Unlike land plants, kelp relies on holdfasts to anchor itself onto rocky surfaces, without absorbing nutrients like traditional roots. Oceanite provides the perfect substrate for kelp holdfasts, offering a secure anchoring point in harsh ocean environments. Our visuals showcase the astounding growth of kelp on Oceanite modules, just four months after deployment in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada, a once degraded cove. The success of kelp growth has attracted various marine species like crabs, sea stars, and fish, with sea stars even reproducing, adorning our Oceanite modules with baby sea stars. This remarkable outcome demonstrates the adaptability and effectiveness of our IntelliReefs habitat, making Oceanite suitable for challenging marine environments worldwide. Join us on this journey as we explore the wonders of kelp and witness the power of Oceanite in restoring marine ecosystems. Like, comment, and subscribe for more updates on our conservation efforts. Thank you for watching!