A student at Dalhousie University is combining their love for conservation and art to assist in the restoration of native kelp populations. Kelp, essential for marine life as a food source and habitat, has suffered a decline in Nova Scotia due to warmer ocean temperatures.
Kit Tymoshuk crafted clay pots to nurture baby kelp, providing a stable base for growth. The inspiration came from the concept of cultivating kelp on unconventional surfaces, moving away from traditional rock substrates. With a $5,000 grant from Ocean Wise, Tymoshuk sourced wild clay from various locations during the summer, ensuring a local and sustainable supply.
After collecting over five kilograms of clay, Tymoshuk meticulously tested and prepared the material for pottery-making, opting for a blend of wild and commercial clay to achieve the desired results. The design process focused on creating textured pots that mimic natural elements like corals and trees, providing ideal conditions for kelp attachment and growth.
Utilizing a backyard pottery wheel, Tymoshuk transformed the clay into functional and aesthetically pleasing pots. With assistance from a roommate, Teigan Labor, the project progressed smoothly, leading to the pots being submerged in the Aquatron Laboratory at Dalhousie University for kelp spores introduction.
After five weeks, young kelp sprouted from the pots, signaling their readiness for deployment. Tymoshuk, along with Labor, transported the pots to Cranberry Cove, near Peggys Cove, for installation in the ocean. The underwater art installation aimed to not only support kelp growth but also engage snorkelers in monitoring the progress and appreciating the unique initiative.
With expectations of observing significant kelp growth in the upcoming winter, Tymoshuk looks forward to the evolution of the project and hopes for a successful restoration of the kelp ecosystem.