This project is all about restoring kelp forests near Tromsø with the local community. The two restoration sites are well suited for marine life, as they are exposed to nutrient rich currents that support growth and biodiversity. Like forests on land, underwater forests become more diverse as they mature, and we aim to maintain the conditions needed for them to thrive. Both sites are strategically located in two of Tromsø’s most visited areas, offering exceptional outreach potential. This restoration effort also provides an important knowledge base for scaling up kelp forest restoration across Norway in the years ahead.
This amount will be used for restoration events and diving gear
have donated the initial amount of € 7.500,- that was doubled by us.
are to be organized to remove the urchins from the sea floor.
Kelp forests are one of the most biodiversity-rich and productive ecosystems on Earth. They absorb excess nitrogen and CO2, counteracting climate change, eutrophication and ocean acidification. They are nurseries for fish and refuge to hundreds of marine species. They protect the coastline against erosion by absorbing the force of the waves.
But in Norway, overfishing since the 1970s has depleted sea urchin predating species. As a result, populations of the green sea urchin have surged, leading to widespread overgrazing of kelp forests. This has transformed 90% of Norway’s former kelp forests into biological deserts, the “urchin barrens”.
The financial support from ‘Giving Back to Nature’will go to four different goals:
Local participants are the lifeblood of the project (with Rissa Citizen Science perhaps serving as its heart). Without these dedicated volunteers, there would be no kelp restoration. Twice each month, they gather, even during the Arctic winter when temperatures drop below zero and daylight disappears.
In 2025 alone, 455 volunteers took part in Rissa CS’ kelp restoration events. Known as the “Kelpers”, the participants are welcomed with free waffles and hot drinks and contribute both on land and in the sea. Word of mouth, reporting and outreach on Rissa CS’ digital platforms ensure strong participation.
We will report with clear and measurable indicators, to account for the spending of the donation:
– Hours spent on the kelp forest restoration events and biodiversity workshop. Everyone at Rissa Citizen Science carefully clocks their time, which helps report the effort accurately.
– Number and dates of the kelp forest restoration events (aim: 20 in 12 months, anticipating that a few will be cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions or sea state).
– Number and dates of the biodiversity workshops (aim: 6 in 12 months).
– Number of participants at each kelp restoration event (aim: 20 to 50, 20 on average, 400 in total).
– Number of participants at each biodiversity workshop (aim: 5 to 10, 6 in average, 36 participants in total).
– Based on the biodiversity workshops, biodiversity gain (species list) on the restoration sites
– Number of urchins removed from the restoration site.
– Area maintained, and area restored in 12 months throughout the two sites (in square meters. Aim: 100% of site 1 (200 meters of coastline) maintained, and 100% of site 2 (2,000 square meters) restored in 12 months.
Find out more on their own website: Welcome | Rissa CitizenScience