A student at Dalhousie University is combining their love for conservation and art to aid in the revival of native kelp populations. Kelp, crucial as a food source and habitat for marine life, has suffered a decline in Nova Scotia due to rising ocean temperatures. Kit Tymoshuk crafted clay pots to nurture baby kelp, providing support for its growth and anchorage.
Inspired by the restoration method of growing kelp on rocks, Tymoshuk innovatively experimented with clay pots as a medium for kelp cultivation. With a grant from Ocean Wise, they sourced wild clay from various bogs during the summer, collecting and refining over five kilograms to ensure local sourcing. The clay underwent testing to ensure suitability for throwing and withstanding kiln temperatures.
Preferring wild clay for authenticity, Tymoshuk blended it with commercial clay from Stewiacke and Annapolis Royal. The design of the pots aimed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, drawing inspiration from natural elements like corals and trees. Textured exteriors provided a sturdy foundation for the kelp to attach, while straight walls maximized light exposure for optimal growth.
Utilizing a backyard pottery wheel, Tymoshuk crafted the pots, with their friend Teigan Labor documenting the process. The pots were then taken to the Aquatron Laboratory at Dalhousie University to introduce kelp spores into a controlled environment, enabling the growth of baby kelp. After five weeks, the pots were ready, with baby kelp sprouting from their tops, ready to be relocated.
Labor assisted Tymoshuk in transporting the pots to Cranberry Cove in December, a popular diving spot near Peggys Cove. Tymoshuk expressed hope for snorkelers to monitor the kelp’s progress and appreciate the underwater art installation. They anticipate the kelp’s growth into the characteristic string shape during the winter, fostering a thriving ecosystem in the pots’ new marine habitat.
