Kelp!

In Search of the Green Gold of the Seas: Aboard the Gleaner, young filmmaker Caylon La Mantia 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 algae. Among the rugged cliffs of the British coast, the team encounters inspiring visionaries and uncovers a surprising truth: in the fight against climate change, kelp 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 La Mantia, Anna Roberts
With:	Caylon La Mantia,Pierre Paslier (NotPla), Kate Burns, Francois Buyers, Izzy Carvet, Jacob Guy, Fabio De Maddalena, Kathryn Sainsbury-Wilkes, Matt Hill, Harrison Wood, Matt Roseveare
Production:	2022, UK, KELP! film and production team

The fascinating world of kelp

In coastal waters, majestic kelp forests stretch up from the sea floor creating a haven from the dangers of the open ocean where countless marine creatures find shelter—from microscopic organisms to large marine mammals. These underwater forests are particularly important nurseries for the young of many species, including many of the fish we eat. They can reach up to 30 meters in height and thrive in cooler, nutrient-rich waters where they can reach the sunlight needed for to photosynthesis.

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. Additionally, kelp absorbs significant amounts of nitrogen and helps counter ocean acidification through its pH-balancing effect. If kelp forests were restored in just 9% of the world’s oceans, it could theoretically offset the entire global CO₂ emissions from agriculture.

Kelp forests not only sequester substantial amounts of CO₂ but also act as natural wave barriers, shielding coastlines from erosion. However, these vital ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and intensive coastal development. Protecting remaining forests and restoring forests in depleted areas is therefore crucial for the future health of our oceans.

A versatile ally for economy and environment

As well as restoring and protecting wild kelp forests, coastal areas throughout the world are seeing the development of kelp farms, where kelp is grown on ropes suspended in the water column giving multiple harvests each year.

In the search for sustainable solutions to global challenges, farmed kelp has proven to be a true all-rounder in service of human life on 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. This extraordinary versatility, combined with its ecological benefits, makes it a promising solution for the sustainable development of our coastal regions and oceans.