Kelp communities, such as this flowing stand of bull kelp off the Tasman Peninsula, are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

Giant kelp is the largest and fastest-growing seaweed in the world. Tasmanian waters have experienced a 95 per cent loss of dense surface-canopy-forming kelp.

Lemon-drop-shaped gas-bladder floats lift the blades and stalk-like stipe of the kelp towards the sun, on which it relies for energy through photosynthesis.

Professor Craig Johnson examines a common kelp plant retrieved from the University of Tasmania’s kelp-transplant experiment off Maria Island.

Craig collects data on artificial reef kelp transplant experiment off Maria Island, Tasmania, Australia, Pacific Ocean.

Dean Lisson measures abalone to confirm it meets the size limit regulation before placing it in his catch bag among bull kelp off Actaeon Island.

Black-lipped abalone harvested off Actaeon Island contributes to the seasonal quota – Tasmania affords the largest wild abalone fishery in the world, providing 25 per cent of
global production.

Kelp communities provide shelter for a wide range of species, such as this hermit crab off Maria Island.

Swimming anemone (Phlyctenanthus australis).

Draughtboard shark (Cephaloscyllium laticeps).

Spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus).

Once dried, the bull kelp is fed through a hammer mill in the King Island Kelp Industries factory to reduce it to the required granular form and size.

 Caelan Pretorius gives his father Johan Pretorius a hand to hang the morning’s harvest of bull kelp onto purpose-built loading racks for drying.

In the early morning light, Jason Russell ties off rope onto his harvest washed ashore by the swell before winching it back to his trailer.

Commercial kelp harvester Jason Russell takes a moment to reflect on his morning’s harvest before hanging the kelp on the loading racks outside.

Commercial kelp harvester John Micic knee-deep in bull kelp at the Causeway near Currie. The kelp is washed ashore by Bass Strait’s renowned swell and wind, which often makes harvest
from the Causeway a risky business.

King Island’s prized livestock regularly start the day with a nutritious feed of bull kelp, which many say enhances immune function, increases meat quality, reduces stress and improves weight gain.