This year marked a significant period of growth and pioneering achievement for The Kelp Conservation Initiative. As the coordinator and a key funder of the UK’s first ‘green gravel’ restoration trials, we have successfully transitioned kelp restoration from a theoretical concept to an operational reality in British waters through two projects based in England and Scotland. While kelp populations in the UK are currently relatively stable, the threats of climate change, marine heatwaves, and human activity are escalating. We have taken a proactive, precautionary approach, developing the tools and techniques needed to safeguard these vital ecosystems before a crisis occurs. Our work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also begun to shape the policy and partnerships essential for large- scale future restoration. Key Achievements: Secured and managed the core funding to build a native kelp hatchery at the MBA, enabling all subsequent research. Secured the first marine licence in the UK to outplant kelp in the North East of England, setting new standards for the marine conservation sector. Helped to secure funding for two PhD positions to support the development of kelp and seaweed restoration. Successfully seeded Sugar Kelp (Saccharina latissima) onto four different UK gravel types and waste scallop shells in aquarium trials. After initial field setbacks with small gravel in shallow water, we adapted by testing larger cobbles and deploying in deeper (>5m), calmer waters in June 2025. Subsequent monitoring by scientific divers after one and three months showed excellent retention and encouraging kelp growth on both directly seeded and twine- wrapped cobbles. Facilitated a joint methodology between SAMS and the MBA to test ReefCircular's shell-based reef tiles under different environmental regimes. Through this work produced 16 kelp reef tiles and 15 oyster reefs, with laboratory seeding activities underway. Comprehensive baseline surveys have been completed in Loch Craignish to ensure the success of future deployments. Demonstrated the potential of waste scallop shells as an effective restoration material in both England and Scotland, creating a powerful link between the seafood industry and marine conservation. In Scotland, we are actively engaging with the fishing fleet to source future shell waste, expanding the circular model and addressing a major waste stream for the industry. The Green Gravel project was showcased at two international conferences in 2025, highlighting its innovative approach. This year marked major growth and first-of-its-kind progress for The Kelp Conservation Initiative. As coordinator and a key funder of the UK’s first green gravel restoration trials, we helped move kelp restoration from theory to operational reality in British waters, with projects in England and Scotland. Although UK kelp populations are currently relatively stable, the risks from climate change, marine heatwaves, and human activity are rising. We have taken a proactive, precautionary approach, developing tools and techniques to safeguard these ecosystems before a crisis occurs. Our work has advanced scientific understanding and is shaping the policy and partnerships needed for future large-scale restoration. Key achievements Secured and managed core funding to build a native kelp hatchery at the Marine Biological Association, enabling all subsequent research. Secured the first marine licence in the UK to outplant kelp in North East England, setting new standards for the marine conservation sector. Helped to secure funding for two PhD positions to support kelp and seaweed restoration. With our research partners, we successfully seeded sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) onto four UK gravel types and waste scallop shells in aquarium trials. Obtained excellent retention and encouraging kelp growth on outplanted gravel in deeper waters (>5m), demonstrating the model for active restoration. Facilitated a joint methodology between SAMS and the Marine Biological Association to test shell-based reef tiles under different environmental regimes; produced 16 kelp reef tiles and 15 oyster reefs, with laboratory seeding underway. Completed comprehensive baseline surveys in Loch Craignish to support future deployments. Demonstrated the potential of waste scallop shells as an effective restoration material in England and Scotland, linking the seafood industry with marine conservation. In Scotland, engaged with the fishing fleet to source future shell waste, expanding the circular model and addressing a major industry waste stream. Showcased the Green Gravel project at two international conferences in 2025, highlighting its innovative approach. This programme has turned early-stage concepts into tested methods, strengthened UK research capacity, and built the partnerships needed to scale restoration responsibly.

TKCI engages proactively and continuously with a broad stakeholder community, including industry bodies, conservation organisations, academic scientists, charities and funders, and the commercial and small-scale fishing sectors. As TKCI has no employees, all research activity is delivered through partnerships with specialist teams, ensuring high scientific standards and strong stakeholder alignment. Research partnerships TKCI maintains focused UK collaborations with Newcastle University, the Marine Biological Association, and the Scottish Association of Marine Science. Projects are co-designed with these partners to ensure methods, data management, and outputs meet stakeholder needs and regulatory expectations. Stakeholder forums and meetings We convene regular online meetings with partners and sector representatives to share progress, review interim findings, and discuss emerging challenges and priorities. Meeting notes and agreed actions are circulated to participants for transparency and follow-through. Industry engagement We maintain open channels with the fishing industry, using structured interviews with their representatives to gather practical insights and co-develop feasible solutions. Conservation and NGO input Conservation organisations and relevant charities are invited to comment at key project milestones, helping to test assumptions, identify risks, and ensure alignment with biodiversity and ecosystem objectives. Funders and governance Funders receive periodic progress updates against milestones, alongside risk registers and mitigation plans. TKCI uses this feedback to refine workplans and adjust timelines where necessary. Public communication We provide accessible updates on our website, summarising project aims, methods, interim results, and next steps. Where appropriate, we publish lay summaries, data visualisations, and links to preprints or open datasets. Feedback mechanisms Stakeholder feedback is captured through meeting minutes, structured surveys, and direct correspondence. TKCI tracks issues, suggestions, and decisions in a shared action log, with clear owners and deadlines, and reports back on how input has influenced project design or delivery. Outcomes of consultation to date Recent engagement has shaped sampling priorities, refined fieldwork locations, and informed the design of monitoring protocols aligned with both industry practicality and scientific robustness. This approach ensures that our work remains scientifically rigorous, operationally realistic, and responsive to stakeholder priorities, while providing clear routes for ongoing participation and accountability.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration