Kelp!

In Search of the Green Gold of the Seas: Aboard the Gleaner, young filmmaker Caylon LaMantia embarks on a quest to discover the hidden treasure of Britain's coastline: KELP!

Her mission? To explore the fascinating world of this remarkable marine plant that could save our oceans - and perhaps even our planet. Among the rugged cliffs of the British coast, the team encounters inspiring visionaries and uncovers a surprising truth: in the fight against climate change, this underestimated underwater plant might just be our greatest ally.

I want to believe that there really are solutions because I struggle a lot with feeling like we’re just doomed (facing climate change)– and then I discovered kelp.

Film Facts

Length:	15 min
Direction:	Caylon LaMantia, Anna Roberts
With:	Caylon LaMantia,Pierre Paslier (NotPla), Kate Burns, Francois Buyers, Izzy Carvet, Jacob Guy, Fabio De Maddalena, Kathryn Sainsbury-Wilkes, Matt Hill, Harrison Wood, Matt Roseveare
Production:	2021, UK, KELP! film and production team

The fascinating world of kelp

In the depths of our oceans, majestic kelp forests stretch out—floating underwater gardens of brown algae that can reach up to 30 meters in height, ranking among the most captivating ecosystems on our planet. These unique forests thrive in cooler, nutrient-rich waters at moderate depths. There, where sunlight barely reaches but still suffices for the photosynthesis of these extraordinary plants, countless marine creatures find shelter among the tangled branches of this ecosystem—from microscopic organisms to large marine mammals.

Natural Climate Protector and Coastal Guardian – A Chance for Marine Environmental Protection?

With a daily growth rate of up to 60 centimeters, kelp surpasses even tropical rainforests in its ability to absorb CO₂. A single hectare of kelp forest can filter up to 20 tons of CO₂ from seawater annually—equivalent to the emissions of approximately 4.3 cars. Additionally, kelp absorbs significant amounts of nitrogen and helps counter ocean acidification through its pH-balancing effect. If just 9% of the world’s oceans were cultivated with kelp, it could theoretically offset the entire global CO₂ emissions from agriculture.

This remarkable capacity could make kelp a key player in global marine climate protection. As natural carbon sinks, they not only sequester substantial amounts of CO₂ but also act as natural wave barriers, shielding coastlines from erosion. Furthermore, they provide a safe habitat for countless marine species, significantly contributing to ocean biodiversity. However, these vital ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and intensive coastal development. Protecting them through sustainable management is therefore crucial for the future of our oceans.

A versatile ally for economy and environment

In the search for sustainable solutions to global challenges, kelp forests have proven to be true all-rounders in service of our planet. Their cultivation requires no freshwater, fertilizers, or land use—an outstanding example of sustainable resource management. The range of its applications is impressive: from the production of high-quality food and use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to the development of biodegradable packaging. Pioneering companies like Notpla are already demonstrating how kelp-based materials can offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.

Current research projects are exploring kelp’s potential for biofuel production, its use in sustainable agriculture, and its application as an innovative material of the future. The extraordinary versatility of this marine plant, combined with its ecological benefits, makes it a promising solution for the sustainable development of our coastal regions and oceans.