Kelp is a large brown seaweed that anchors to hard rocky surfaces using a holdfast. Like all seaweeds, kelp has no roots. There are five main kelp species in Scotland’s seas adapted to a range of wave conditions from sheltered to exposed. They usually grow in dense beds in shallower waters but can be found as deep as 30m in clear oceanic water.
Kelp forests play a vital role in supporting healthy marine ecosystems. Their presence creates a complex habitat with vertical stem-like structures (stipes), and a shaded canopy of large waving leaf-like blades that provide homes, protection, and feeding areas for many animals, including fish, crabs, lobster, starfish, seabirds and seals. They can also support the fishing industry, as kelp beds can act as nursery grounds for spawning fish.
Kelp beds can provide multiple benefits for coastal communities such as job creation in diverse industries, including marine tourism. Along with other types of seaweed, kelp can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics – including creams, soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. Some kelp species thrive in exposed areas with high wave action and strong tidal movement. They form dense beds that can moderate strong currents and protect coastlines from heavy wave action and are a nature-based solution for coastal protection and flood resilience.
Kelp beds are recognised as Priority Marine Features (PMFs) and there are currently four nature conservation Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Scotland that provide protection for ‘kelp beds’ or ‘kelp and seaweed communities on sublittoral sediment’.
Photo: © Kent Wildlife Trust
Action Needed
- Encourage the Scottish Government to adopt spatial management of fishing when finalising the Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement Programme (IFMI). A system of spatial management could ensure further protection for Priority Marine Features, such as kelp.
- Champion kelp forest restoration projects across Scotland. These projects, already found across the west coast and the Highlands, can help to reverse the loss of kelp habitats and create sanctuaries for other marine wildlife.
- Support the actions outlined in the Scottish Government’s Blue Carbon Action Plan, including investigating the potential of kelp to help with climate mitigation policies.
Threats
Kelp is facing several different challenges in Scottish waters:
- Kelp has historically been at risk from proposals for large-scale harvesting, which would pose a significant threat to Scottish kelp beds. This includes the disruption of habitats and disruption to the way ecosystem’s function.
- There has been significant progress on this issue following the Crown Estate (Scotland) Act, which banned the mechanical harvesting of kelp, and we must now ensure this ban remains in place so that kelp can continue to be protected.
- Damaging forms of fishing, such as bottom trawling and dredging, can also damage or disturb kelp beds.
- Rising sea temperatures, primarily due to climate change, can make it more difficult for kelp to survive.
- Coastal developments can disturb kelp forests, by smothering them with sediment and increasing pollution.
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