In Tromsø, the world’s northernmost city, non-profit Rissa Citizen Science formed a volunteer community of scientists, artists and inhabitants to restore the local kelp forests. Kelp forests are the lungs of the ocean providing oxygen, capturing carbon, reducing ocean acidification, protecting coastlines in storms and providing nurseries for marine life. Overfishing in Norway has removed key predators in the ecosystem, leaving sea urchins to multiply and overgraze kelp forests, turning them into biological deserts.

 

Rissa’s current restoration site is situated along a jetty in the city center, where many locals and tourists go for a walk. One side of the jetty gets restored by removing excessive sea urchins and is now bursting with life and colour.