Name: Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2024-06-07T13:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 14 min 44 s
Description: Learn field collection and laboratory maintenance of giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera using the green gravel technique for ecological restoration. This protocol enables researchers to culture kelp for marine conservation projects.

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5 minutes

This work was funded by the California Sea Grant Kelp Recovery Research Program R/HCE-17 to JBL and MESB, a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship award DGE-1735040 to PDD, The Nature Conservancy, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Tinker Foundation to AP-L, and The Climate Science Alliance Baja Working Group to RBL and JL. We thank Steven Allison, Cascade Sorte, Samantha Cunningham, Sam Weber and Caitlin Yee at the University of California, Irvine; Mark Carr, Peter Raimondi, Sarah Eminhizer, Anne Kapuscinski at the University of California, Santa Cruz; Walter Heady and Norah Eddy at The Nature Conservancy; Filipe Alberto and Gabriel Montecinos at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Jose Antonio Zertuche-Gonz&#225;lez, Alejandra Ferreira-Arrieta, and Liliana Ferreira-Arrieta at the Universidad Aut&#243;noma de Baja California; Luis Malpica-Cruz, Alicia Abad&#237;a-Cardoso, and Daniel D&#237;az-Guzm&#225;n from MexCal; the MexCalitos divers Alejandra Reyes, Monica Peralta, Teresa Tavera, Julia Navarrete, Ainoa Vilalta, Jeremie Bauer, and Alfonso Ferreira; and Nancy Caruso for technical advice. We thank the Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanol&#243;gicas, Universidad Aut&#243;noma de Baja California for providing facilities used to develop the water bath system. We thank Ira Spitzer for underwater and drone video content.

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Anthropogenic climate change is a growing threat to the health of the world&#39;s oceans44,45,46,47,48, resulting in major disturbances and biodiversity loss49,50,51,52. To accelerate the restoration of degraded ecosystems, the United Nations has declared 2021 through 2030 the &#34;UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration,&#34; coinciding with the &#34;UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development&#34;, which aims to reverse the deterioration in ocean health53. In line with this global call to action, the Kelp Forest Alliance has launched the Kelp Forest Challenge to restore 1 million hectares and protect 3 million hectares of kelp forest by the year 204054. Marine restoration is undervalued55, and kelp ecosystems receive considerably less attention than habitats such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows56. Restoration of degraded ecosystems has been shown to be effective in re-building marine ecosystems but can cost on average between $80,000 - $1,600,000 per hectare, with median total costs likely to be two to four times higher57. Current and projected losses call upon developing scalable, feasible, and cost-effective kelp restoration methodologies as urgent conservation interventions.
Current kelp restoration efforts use a combination of methodologies to address site-specific drivers of kelp loss, including transplantation of adult kelps, direct seeding of zoospores and/or gametophytes, grazer control, and installation of artificial reefs11. However, these methods require substantial resources and have limited scalability. Typical transplantation of adult kelps requires the laborious deployment of artificial materials or structures on the benthos, by divers. Bottom-up interventions to re-establish coastal rocky reefs, such as controlling competitors and grazers, are also restricted by labor costs as they rely on the manual underwater removal or exclusion of these biotic stressors11. The &#39;green gravel&#39; technique overcomes these limitations with simple deployment from the surface, requiring no underwater installment or technical knowledge and scalability at relatively low costs28. This innovative approach provides a promising restoration tool, urging extensive trials across diverse locations and environments to unlock its full potential32.
While successful restoration efforts with &#39;green gravel&#39;&#160;have been documented in sheltered fjords in Norway using the sugar kelp, Saccharina latissima26, this technique is still in the piloting phase for Macrocystis pyrifera in the Eastern Pacific. Additional trials are needed to address the expected survivorship of M. pyrifera outplants within its range. In wave-exposed conditions typical of M. pyrifera growth, smaller gravel may be more prone to movement and abrasion, leading to damaged outplants. Furthermore, positive buoyancy provided by gas-filled pneumatocysts of M. pyrifera may lead to &#39;green gravel&#39; outplants being effectively carried away from the restoration site, and thus, gravel size and weight are important factors to explore for this species. In a recent pilot study (May 2022; Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico), preliminary success in the field with M. pyrifera has been observed, indicated by haptera attachment to surrounding substrate and growth of juveniles reaching 1.2 m in length after two months in the field (Figure 4). This demonstrates a clear opportunity that has yet to be explored in utilizing &#39;green gravel&#39;&#160;for M. pyrifera in the Eastern Pacific. This video showcases the &#39;green gravel&#39; technique with M. pyrifera and is a valuable resource that simplifies and centralizes existing practices in the culturing phase of restoration to support studies that address successes and limitations in different field settings.
With the &#39;green gravel&#39; technique, many smaller, individual gravel units can be seeded at a scale that may increase the probability of success compared to more common transplantation approaches with adult plants. However, the key scalable aspect of this technique is its simple deployment from the surface, which can facilitate the restoration of large areas by boat. For field settings where the deployment of small gravel is not suitable, this protocol can be adapted to transplant M. pyrifera on a wide range of substrates, including larger gravel or even small boulders, string that can be tied to natural or deployed underwater anchors, or tiles that can be bolted or glued using marine epoxy to the seafloor in more exposed conditions. These deployment adaptations will not change the facilities needed for M. pyrifera culturing but will subsequently increase the cost of deployment.
Anthropogenic disturbances and climate change are currently overcoming the capacity for natural populations to adapt. This poses significant challenges to traditional conservation efforts that restore ecosystems to their historic states58,59,60,61,62,63. Thus, conservation frameworks have expanded to include anticipatory management considering resilience and adaptive capacity64. Anticipatory management to address climate change is being implemented for tree species in forest ecosystems65&#160;and has been proposed for further restoration efforts to enhance the evolutionary potential of outplants66,67. Although these strategies are inherently easier to manipulate in terrestrial environments, several studies are beginning to explore their application in marine environments62,68,69,70. For example, coral reefs are threatened by numerous anthropogenic stressors that have resulted in unprecedented declines71,72. In response to the losses of these important foundation species, active restoration and assisted adaptation techniques are increasingly advocated to conserve remaining coral reefs and their associated functions62,73,74. One technique involves translocating individuals within their current species distribution range to increase tolerance to heat stress75. Regarding the restoration of canopy-forming kelps, &#39;green gravel&#39; has a customizable framework to explore assisted adaptation techniques such as translocation of resilient genotypes to vulnerable areas, non-genetic manipulation such as hybridization, or acclimatization of individuals to environmental stress62&#160;with outcomes aimed towards obtaining more resistant strains for restoration programs76,77.
Harnessing local support to enhance restoration endeavors is crucial to sustain kelp ecosystem conservation success. Engaging local stakeholders can increase local buy-in for restoration needs6,50&#160;and promote coastal stewardship that could subsequently result in increased funding and longevity of kelp ecosystem protection. As with all other kelp restoration methodologies, structured decision-making frameworks integrating diverse ecological, socio-economic, and conservation objectives will help achieve optimal outcomes for kelp ecosystems and the communities they support11.

Canopy-forming kelps (brown macroalgae in the order Laminariales) are globally important foundation species, dominating coastal rocky reefs in temperate and Arctic seas1. These kelps form structurally complex and highly productive biogenic habitats known as kelp forests that support taxonomically diverse marine communities2. Kelp forests worldwide provide many ecosystem services to humans, including commercial fisheries production, carbon and nutrient cycling, and recreational opportunities, with a total estimated value of USD $500 billion per year3.
Despite their substantial value, kelp forests face growing anthropogenic pressures in many regions3. Climate change presents one of the most significant threats to kelps due to long-term ocean warming combined with the increasing frequency of temperature anomalies3,4,5,6,7. Increased ocean temperatures are associated with nutrient limitation8, while exposure to heat stress above physiological thresholds can result in mortality9. In combination with variable regional local stressors7, kelp populations are globally declining by approximately 2% per year10 with significant losses and persistent shifts to alternate community states in certain regions6,11,12,13,14. Natural recovery of kelp populations alone may not be sufficient to reverse the extent of current and projected losses15,16,17,18, underscoring the importance of active restoration.
Current kelp restoration efforts can use a combination of methodologies to re-establish these important foundation species on coastal rocky reefs3,19. Methodologies chosen to address site-specific concerns depend on geographic context, the specific impediments to kelp recovery, and the social-ecological context11. Understanding the connections and interdependence of social-ecological systems is the key, and interventions that engage local institutions and garner support from local communities enhance the likelihood of successful restoration efforts20.
In addition to climate change, herbivore pressure or interspecific competition drives, declines, or suppresses the recovery (e.g., by sea urchins13, herbivorous fish21,22, turf algae9,23, or invasive algae24). Restoration may focus on the removal of these biotic stressors25, although these methods require substantial resources and continuous maintenance11. To catalyze kelp species recovery, there have been efforts toward a direct seeding approach, for example, weighing mesh bags filled with fertile kelp blades to the benthos that release zoospores into the environment26. This method, however, is time-intensive and requires technical underwater installation and removal. Other cases focus on transplanting large quantities of whole adult donor plants, which may compromise closely associated and vulnerable donor populations and are often limited to small scales due to reliance on continual transplantation27.
For regions, where kelp spore limitation may be impeding kelp forest recovery due to habitat fragmentation, a relatively new kelp restoration approach called the &#39;green gravel&#39; technique, was introduced. The technique was successfully trialed at theFl&#248;devigen Research Station in southern Norway28&#160;and represented a promising option for restoration due to cost-effectiveness and scalability. The workflow of this technique is as follows: (1) a spore solution is created from fertile tissue collected from reproductive adult kelps in the field and then seeded onto small substrates, such as gravel; (2) early-stage kelps are reared in laboratory-controlled abiotic conditions on substrates; (3) substrates with visible sporophytes are deployed in the field on specific reefs as &#39;green gravel&#39;, where sporophytes continue to grow. Note that typical transplantation efforts of adult individuals require laborious and cost-inhibitive underwater installation by divers, and the &#39;green gravel&#39; technique uses simple deployment from the surface28.
The &#39;green gravel&#39; technique is currently being tried out by members of numerous international working groups29 across different environments and several laminarian kelp species. This protocol describes the required facilities, materials, and methods for tissue collection, sporulation, seeding, rearing conditions, regular maintenance, and monitoring of early-stage kelp prior to deploying this restoration technique in the field using the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. This protocol is a valuable resource for researchers, managers, and stakeholders seeking to provide insight into the successes and limitations of this method with M. pyrifera in different field settings.

<table><tbody><tr><td>0.22 &amp;micro;m filters</td><td>Milipore</td><td>SCGPS05RE</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>1 L glass bottles</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07J6JP4D1</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>1 &amp;micro;m filters (water + air)</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B01M1VWUWL</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>1&#039;&#039; PVC 90-Degree Elbow</td><td>Home Depot</td><td>203812125</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>10 &amp;micro;m filters</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B00D04BG56</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>20 &amp;micro;m filters</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B082WS9NPH</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>3x5mm tubing</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B0852HXPN6</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>4x4&#039;&#039; Sterile Gauze</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07NDK8XM3</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>4x6mm tubing</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B08BCRV1FY</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>5 &amp;micro;m filters</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B082WS9NPH</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>50 mL falcon tubing</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B01M04HGPJ</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>8x10mm tubing</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B01MSM3LLZ</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Air filters</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>MTGR85010</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Alcohol lamp</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07XWD9WWC</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>Ammonium iron(II) sulfate hexahydrate ACS reagent, 99%</td><td>Sigma</td><td>215406-100G</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Aquarium Grade Gravel</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07XRCKFBJ</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Biotin powder, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture, suitable for plant cell culture, 99%</td><td>Sigma</td><td>B4639-100MG</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Boric Acid, 99.8%, 10043-35-3, MFCD00011337, BH3O3, 61.83, 500g</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>5090113707</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Calcium D-Pantothenate,ge98.0% (T),C9H17NO5,137-08-6,25g,D-Pantothenic Acid Calcium Salt, P0012-25G 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>P001225G</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Check valves</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B08HRZR4MM</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Clear tubing 3/8&#039;&#039; - 10 ft</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07MTYMW13</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>COBALT(II) SULFATE HEPTAH-100G, WARNING - California - Cancer Hazard, 93-2749-100G 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>5090114752</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Compound microscope with camera</td><td>OMAX</td><td>M83EZ-C50S</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Culture flask</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>07-250-080</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Culture light</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07RRRPJ63</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Culture stoppers</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07DX6J7QD</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Drainage connector</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B00GUZ6CV0</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>EDTA CAS Number: 6381-92-6 Molecular Formula: C10H14N2O8Na2- 2H2O Molecular Weight: 372.2</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>50213299</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Eisco Safety Pack Graduated Cylinder Sets Class A, ASTM, Capacity: 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, Graduations: 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.0 mL, Borosilicate 3.3 Glass, Autoclavable: Yes, Class: Class A, Graduated: Yes, Tolerance: 0.10 mL, 0.17 mL, 0.25 mL</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>S81273</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Eisco Safety Pack Graduated Cylinder Sets Class A, ASTM, Capacity: 50 mL, 100 mL, 250 mL, Graduations: 1.0 mL, 1.0 mL, 2.0 mL, Borosilicate 3.3 Glass, Autoclavable: Yes, Class: Class A, Graduated: Yes, Tolerance: 0.25 mL, 0.50 mL, 1.0 mL</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>S81275</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Eisco Safety Pack Volumetric Flask Sets - Class A, ASTM, Capacity: 10 mL, 25 mL, 50 mL, Borosilicate 3.3 Glass, Autoclavable: Yes, Class: Class A, Closure Material: Glass, Closure Size: Stopper Number: 9, 9, 13, Closure Type: Penny Stopper, Graduated: Ye</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>S81271</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Filter holder</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07LCKBKCT</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>Fisherbrand Graduated Cylinders, Capacity: 500 mL, Graduations: 5 mL, Borosilicate Glass, Autoclavable: Yes, Limit of Error: +/-4.0 mL, Recommended Applications: Education, Subdivision: 5 mL, S63460 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>S63460</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>FLEXACAM C1 Camera</td><td>Leica</td><td>FLEXACAM C1</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Folic acid, C19H19N7O6, CAS Number59303, vitamin m, pteroylglutamic acid, vitamin b9, folvite, folacin, folacid, pteroyllglutamic acid, pteglu, folic acid, folate, 25g, 100781, CHEBI:27470, Yellow to Orange, 2004190, 441.41, OVBPIULPVIDEAOLBPRGKRZSAN</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>AAJ6083314</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Free Standing 20 Gallon Utility Sink</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B094TLH19L</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>GERMANIUM DIOXIDE 99.99 10GR</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>AC190000100</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Glass Graduated Cylinders, Class A Round Base, Eisco, For Use With: Measuring liquids, Capacity: 1000 mL, Graduations: 10 mL White, CH0344OWT 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>S88442</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Glass slides</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B00L1S93PS</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Glycerol phosphate disodium salt hydrate isomeric mixture</td><td>Sigma</td><td>G6501-100G</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Growth containers -3.4 Qt- 3.25 Lt transparent containers with transparent lid</td><td>Container store</td><td>#10014828</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Growth light</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B086R14MFW</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Hemocytometer</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07TJQDKLJ</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>Hinged plastic jars</td><td>SKS Bottle &amp;amp; Packaging</td><td>40280125.01S</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Inositol research grade, USP/NF For bacteriology. Optically inactive. Tested for its suitability in tissue culture. Size - 100G Storage Conditions - +15 C TO +30 C Catalog Number - 26310.01 CAS 87-89-8</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>50247745</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Instant Ocean - 50 G</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B000255NKA</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Inverted Microscope Leica DMi1</td><td>Leica</td><td>DMi1</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Iron(III) chloride hexahydrate ACS reagent, 97%</td><td>Sigma</td><td>236489-100G</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Licor Ligth Meter Data Logger</td><td>Licor</td><td>LI-250A</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Light/temperature HOBO data logger</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B075X2SWKN</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Lights 150W</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B0799DQM9V</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Manganese sulfate monohydrate meets USP testing specifications</td><td>Sigma</td><td>M8179-100G</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Medium size rocks 2-3 inch, 20 pounds</td><td>Home Depot</td><td>206823930</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Nicotinic Acid, 99%, C6H5NO2, CAS Number59676, daskil, apelagrin, acidum nicotinicum, akotin, 3carboxypyridine, niacin, 3pyridinecarboxylic acid, nicotinic acid, pellagrin, wampocap, 250g, 109591, CHEBI:15940, 1.4, 2004410, 293 deg.C (559 deg.F), 123.11,</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>AAA1268330</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>p-Aminobenzoic acid 99.82% 4-aminobenzoic acid, C7H7NO2, CAS Number: 150-13-0, 25g, 0210256925 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>ICN10256925</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>PCV cement</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B001D9WRWG</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Plastic water valve</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B0006JLVE4</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Plastic water valve</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07G5FY7X1</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Precision scale 1mg</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B08DTH95FN</td><td>Materials to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Pump for filtered air</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B0BG2BT9RX</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>PVC tubing 1x24&#039;&#039;</td><td>Home Depot</td><td>202300505</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Quantum Light meter</td><td>Apogee Instruments</td><td>MQ-510</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Refrigerated Incubator</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>15-103-1566</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Rubber Grommets</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07YZD22ZP</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Salinity refractometer</td><td>ATC</td><td>B018LRO1SU</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Shade mesh 6x50 ft</td><td>Home depot</td><td>316308418</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Nitrate ge 99.0% Nitric Acid, Sodium Salt, NNaO3, CAS Number: 7631-99-4, 500g, 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>BP360500</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Soldering for aeration opening</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B08R3515SF</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Spray isporopyl alcohol</td><td>Amazon</td><td>&amp;lrm; B08LW5P844</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>Stainless steel sissors</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07BT4YLHT</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>Stainless steel tray</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B08CV33YXG</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>Stainless steel twizzers</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B01JTZTAJS</td><td>Sporulation</td></tr><tr><td>Stir Bars</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07C4TNKXB</td><td>Materials to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Submersible circulation pump 400 GPH</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07RZKRM13</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Submersible Spherical Quantum Sensor</td><td>Waltz</td><td>US-SQS/L</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Temperature gun</td><td>Infrared Thermometer 749</td><td>B07VTPJXH9</td><td>Monitoring</td></tr><tr><td>Thiamine hydrochloride BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture, suitable for plant cell culture</td><td>Sigma</td><td>T1270-25G</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Thymine 99% 2, 4-Dihydroxy-5-methylpyrimidine, C5H6N2O2, CAS Number: 65-71-4, 25g, 157850250 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>AC157850250</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Transparent Acrylic sheet 24x48 inch</td><td>Home Depot</td><td>202038048</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Tubing water circulation 1&#039;&#039;x10 ft</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07ZC1PSF3</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>UV light for natural seawater sterilization</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B018OI7PYS</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>Vacum pump</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B087XBTPVW</td><td>Natural seawater sterilization</td></tr><tr><td>Vitamin B12 BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture, suitable for plant cell culture, 98%</td><td>Sigma</td><td>V6629-100MG</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Volumetric Flasks, Class A Glass, Eisco, with Polypropylene Stopper, Graduated, White printed markings, Capacity: 1000 mL, CH0446IWT 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>S89446</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Volumetric Flasks, Class A Glass, Eisco, with Polypropylene Stopper, Graduated, White printed markings, Capacity: 500 mL, CH0446HWT 1/EA</td><td>Thermo Fisher</td><td>S89445</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr><tr><td>Water Chiller 200-600GPM</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B07BHHP71C</td><td>Option 2 - Medium scale - Water bath systems</td></tr><tr><td>Y-splitters for 4x6mm tubing</td><td>Amazon</td><td>B08XTJKFCH</td><td>Option 1 Small scale - Incubator</td></tr><tr><td>Zinc sulfate heptahydrate BioReagent, suitable for cell culture</td><td>Sigma</td><td>Z0251-100G</td><td>Chemicals to create Provasoli&amp;rsquo;s Enriched Seawater (PES) and vitamins for media enrichment</td></tr></tbody></table>

field collection and laboratory maintenance of canopy-forming giant kelp to facilitate restoration

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

Canopy-forming kelps are essential foundation species, supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services valued at more than USD$500 billion annually. The global decline of giant kelp forests due to climate-driven ecological stressors underscores the need for innovative restoration strategies. An emerging restoration technique known as &#39;green gravel&#39; aims to seed young kelps over large areas without extensive underwater labor and represents a promising restoration tool due to cost-effectiveness and scalability. This video article illustrates a protocol and tools for culturing giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. It also provides a resource for further studies to address the successes and limitations of this method in field settings. We outline field and laboratory-based methods for collecting reproductive tissue, sporulating, inoculating, rearing, maintaining, and monitoring substrates seeded with early life stages using the &#39;green gravel&#39;&#160;technique. The protocol simplifies and centralizes current restoration practices in this field to support researchers, managers, and stakeholders in meeting kelp conservation objectives.

The 'green gravel' restoration technique is still in the piloting phase, with limited outplant survival data for other species28, and no published data yet for Macrocystis pyrifera. Using the field collection and laboratory maintenance outlined in this protocol, we tested the significance of site-specific rearing conditions for two distinct donor kelp populations before hypothetical 'green gravel' deployment (Figure 5). Reproductive kelp tissue was collected in California (USA) from cooler K1 (Santa Cruz 36.60167°N, 121.88508°W) and warmer K4 (San Diego, 32.85036°N, -117.27600°W) populations and reared at two temperatures: (1) 12 °C (the standard culturing temperature for seaweed aquaculture, and the mean winter SST for K1), and (2) 20 °C (the mean summer SST for K4, and a 4 °C heatwave for K1). All glass slides used for monitoring kelp life stage development were marked with a standardized grid, and high-resolution images were captured using this grid as a reference to enable the observation of fixed fields through time using an inverted microscope and camera (N = 5 images per sample, 2.479 mm x 1.859 mm).
After 24 d post sporulation, gametophytes were counted from microscope images (N = 300 images from 60 samples). To test for differences in gametophyte counts, generalized linear mixed effects models were employed with Poisson distribution using the function glmmTMB() in package glmmTMB41, and pairwise comparisons were conducted with emtrends() from package emmeans42in R. Our results illustrate that the response of gametophytes to thermal variability was different between K1 and K4 populations (t = 2.7, p = 0.007), where temperature did not have an effect for the warmer K4 population (estimate = -0.01, standard error [SE] = 0.01, confidence interval [CI] = [-0.03, 0.01]), but did have an effect for the cooler K1 population (estimate = -0.06, SE = 0.02, CI = [-0.10, -0.03]) (Figure 6A), suggesting a possible adaptive divergence in thermal tolerance traits. Kelp gametophytes are often depicted as a resistance stage43, meaning they produce an all-purpose phenotype that is stress tolerant and relatively insensitive to environmental variability. However, these results indicate that thermal variability imposes a significant pressure at this early stage.
After 32 d post sporulation, visible sporophytes with lengths greater than approximately 1 mm were counted on the entirety of each 2.5 cm by 7.5 cm glass slide (N = 72 total samples). To test for differences in visible sporophyte counts, generalized linear mixed effects models were employed with Poisson distribution using the function glmmTMB() in package glmmTMB and pairwise comparisons were conducted with emtrends() from package emmeans in R. Our results illustrate that the response of sporophytes to thermal variability is similar between K1 and K4 differentiated populations (z = 0.92, p = 0.36), where the temperature had an effect for the warmer K4 population (estimate = -0.66, SE = 0.04, CI = [-0.74, - 0.57]), as well as the cooler K1 population (estimate = -0.85, SE = 0.13, CI = [-1.10, -0.60]) (Figure 6B). Samples reared at 20 °C grew few visible sporophytes (mean ± SE = 0.4 ± 0.2) compared to those reared at 12 °C (mean ± SE = 82.4 ± 9.8). This result suggests that sporophyte production is more sensitive to temperature than the gametophyte stage, and that site-specific culturing temperatures must not exceed 15 °C to achieve sporophyte development as outlined in the protocol.
<img alt="Controlled environment setup with jars for gas exchange analysis in plant respiration experiment." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig01.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 1"> 
Figure 1: Diagram of 'green gravel' incubator system. (A) Red light source for vegetatively bulking gametophyte cultures. (B) Access port for electrical wires and tubing, leading to an external outlet. (C) Structure to block full-spectrum light out of the red-light section. (D) A 'green gravel' culturing section. (E) full-spectrum light sources. (F) Tubing lines connected to an external filtered air source. (G) Check valves to reduce airborne contamination. (H) Individual culture containers that minimize contamination. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Solar water heating system setup diagram; solar panels, water tanks, fluid circulation process." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig02.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 2"> 
Figure 2: Diagram of 'green gravel' water bath system. (A) Chiller with submerged pump (in I). (B) 20 gallon tub for water bath. (C) Drain to recirculate water bath. (D) Valve for recirculation of water bath. (E) Light source. (F) 2.5 L 'green gravel' container with transparent lid and aeration opening. (G) Aeration source. (H) Pipes that recirculate water with use of submerged pumps. (I) Water bath receiver from/to chiller from/to tubs with submersible pumps. (J) Acrylic cover to minimize water bath evaporation. (K) Mesh shade to adjust light intensity. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig02large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Life cycle of gametophyte and sporophyte stages; microscopy diagram shows development times." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig03v2.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 3"> 
Figure 3: Macrocystis pyrifera development. Developmental life history stages of Macrocystis pyrifera from laboratory growth trials. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig03large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Marine growth progression; field deployment timeline in a laboratory to sea environment; 120 days." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig04.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 4"> 
Figure 4: 'Green gravel' seeded with Macrocystis pyrifera. 'Green gravel' seeded with Macrocystis pyrifera is cultured in the laboratory until sporophytes reach 1-2 cm. 'Green gravel' is then deployed and continues to grow in the field. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig04large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Microalgae growth over 40 days at 12°C, 20°C in diagram, showing temperature effect on biomass." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig05.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 5"> 
Figure 5: Experimental time series. Example images from a time series following the experimental growth and development of Macrocystis pyrifera gametophytes and sporophytes originating from two populations collected in California (USA) and cultured at two different temperatures. K1 = Santa Cruz, K4 = San Diego. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig05large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Bar chart comparing gametophyte and sporophyte density at 12°C and 20°C for K4 and K1 types." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig06.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1788304762000" data-alt="Figure 6"> 
Figure 6: Representative Results. Macrocystis pyrifera life stages observed for K1 Santa Cruz San Diego K4 Santa Cruz populations of origin cultured at constant thermal conditions of 12 and 20 °C. Error bars, mean ± 1 SE. Asterisk (*) denotes statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05). (A) Gametophytes at day 24 (N = 300 total images from 60 samples). (B) Visible sporophytes at day 32 (N = 72 samples, within a standardized 2.5 cm by 7.5 cm area). <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66092/66092fig06large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
Supplemental File 1. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/66092/Supplemental%20File_Calendar%20R2.zip" target="_blank">Please click here to download this File.</a>

This protocol describes the field collection and regular laboratory maintenance of substrates seeded with canopy-forming giant kelp for use in restoration trials to address the success and limitations of the 'green gravel' technique in field settings.

Canopy-forming kelps are essential foundation species, supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services valued at more than USD$500 billion ...

field-collection-laboratory-maintenance-canopy-forming-giant-kelp-to

Research

JoVE Journal

Environment

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A Simple Planting Technique for Re-establishing Trees Where Frequent Inundation Occurs

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The Barnacle Balanus improvisus as a Marine Model - Culturing and Gene Expression

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Investigation of Plant Interactions Across Common Mycorrhizal Networks Using Rotated Cores

Doliolids, including the species Dolioletta gegenbauri, are small gelatinous marine zooplankton of ecological significance found on productive subcontinental shelf systems worldwide. The difficulty of culturing these delicate organisms limits their investigation. In this study, we describe cultivation approaches for collecting, rearing, and maintaining the doliolid Dolioletta gegenbauri.

Cultivation of the Marine Pelagic Tunicate Dolioletta gegenbauri (Uljanin 1884) for Experimental Studies

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Streamlined Sampling and Cultivation of the Pelagic Cosmopolitan Larvacean, Oikopleura dioica

Polyp bail-out is a process induced by acute stress, in which coral polyps digest the tissue connecting them to their colony and detach from it to live as individuals. The present protocol describes how to induce coral micropropagation by bail-out using hypersaline or calcium-free seawater treatments.

Inducing Polyp Bail-out in Coral Colonies to Obtain Individualized Micropropagates for Laboratory Experimental Use

Moored midwater geodesic structures called Coral Arks provide a modular, scalable, and vertically adjustable research platform that can be used to build, monitor, and perturb coral reef communities in previously inoperative areas, including offshore.

Coral Reef Arks: An In Situ Mesocosm and Toolkit for Assembling Reef Communities

Climate change is impacting coral reef ecosystems globally. Corals sourced from ex situ aquaculture systems can help support restoration and research efforts. Herein, feeding and coral culture techniques that can be used to promote the long-term maintenance of brooding scleractinian corals ex situ are outlined.

Effective Techniques for the Feeding and Ex Situ Culture of a Brooding Scleractinian Coral, Pocillopora acuta

Here, we describe several protocols aiming at an integrated valorization of Gracilaria gracilis: wild species harvesting, in-house growth, and extraction of bioactive ingredients. The extracts' antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects are evaluated, along with the nutritional and stability assessment of food enriched with whole seaweed biomass and pigments.

Valorization of the Red Seaweed Gracilaria gracilis Through a Biorefinery Approach

This protocol covers a four-step large-area imaging survey methodology used to extract metrics of structural complexity, community composition, and population demographics for coral reef communities. The quality of imagery collected and integrated access to the source imagery are prioritized within each step of the protocol.

Measuring the Structure, Composition, and Change of Underwater Environments with Large-area Imaging

Learn field collection and laboratory maintenance of giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera using the green gravel technique for ecological restoration. This protocol enables researchers to culture kelp for marine conservation projects.

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

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