BLUECONNECT aims to create valuable training opportunities and research collaborations between South Africa and Norway that center around knowledge-based management of kelp forest resources under changing ocean conditions.

 

Kelp forests are underwater forests that provide many valuable benefits for coastal communities, and are used by many fish and other animals for shelter and food. Kelp forests are expanding in parts of Norway and South Africa with changing environmental conditions, despite declines in kelp globally.

​

This SANOCEAN project will measure the ecosystem services provided by kelp forests in South Africa and Norway, and build capacity for coastal research, sustainable development and management of these resources through high-level post graduate training, collaborative research, as well as scientific knowledge transfer. This will better enable communities to anticipate and prepare for future changes and possibly even benefit from these expanding ecosystems.