Diminishing Forests Fine Art Prints
Tasmania has lost a staggering 95% of its giant kelp forests along the east coast over the last few decades. These forests were once so thick that fisherman would have difficulty navigating through the thick canopies on the surface of the water. The few patches that now remain in Tasmania as well as South Australia and Victoria are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as a threatened ecological community.
The primary driver causing the decease of the giant kelp forests in Tasmania is warming sea water and low nutrient rich water coming down via the East Australian Current (EAC). The EAC has also brought along invasive species like the long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus Rodgersii). They have been devouring everything in their path, leaving only bare rock behind.
These underwater forests play a critical role in the ocean’s ecosystem. They provide habitat for many other marine species like the weedy seadragon, rock lobster, abalone and trumpeter to just name a few. Giant kelp absorbs carbon dioxide for photosynthesises and grows rapidly, up to an astonishing 60cm/day. Research has shown that giant kelp forests can absorb carbon at rates up to 50 times greater than forests on land. Research has begun with identifying individual giant kelp plants that may be genetically better adapted to warmer sea temperatures. Spores were collected from these plants and replanted out in three restoration plots; early results are promising.
Visiting the few remaining kelp forests in Tasmania is always one of my diving highlights. The ambiance within the forest is so variable depending on the surface conditions. Bright sunny days produce spectacular sunbursts, with shards of light penetrating through the canopy to light up the forest below. While overcast days, the forest takes on a dark and gloomy appearance. The forest can be either motionless or full of life, swaying back and forth when the swells go through. Each visit will never be the same as the last.
This drawing is from one of my images captured in one of the larger giant kelp forests remaining off the Acteaon Islands, South of Hobart. Looking closely at the kelp shows the textured detail in each of the blades. At the base of each blade is a smooth, golden gas filled buoyancy bladder. These suspend the kelp blades in the water allowing the plants to form a thick floating canopy on the surface above.
Prints are produced locally using the highest quality cotton rag or canvas with archival pigment inks with a fade resistant life of up to and exceeding 100 years.
The surface of the printed cotton rag is very delicate and will scuff easily if not handled carefully. It is recommended the prints are delivered to a professional framer. To avoid reflections from the glass, it is highly recommended a clear non-reflective glass is used.
The canvas is a textured, 380gsm Bright White canvas suitable for all canvas printing applications. The canvas prints are coated with a UV inhibitor for abrasion and fade resistance.
Allow 10-15 days for prints to be delivered and allow up to 4 weeks for stretched canvases.
Tasmania has lost a staggering 95% of its giant kelp forests along the east coast over the last few decades. These forests were once so thick that fisherman would have difficulty navigating through the thick canopies on the surface of the water. The few patches that now remain in Tasmania as well as South Australia and Victoria are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as a threatened ecological community.
The primary driver causing the decease of the giant kelp forests in Tasmania is warming sea water and low nutrient rich water coming down via the East Australian Current (EAC). The EAC has also brought along invasive species like the long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus Rodgersii). They have been devouring everything in their path, leaving only bare rock behind.
These underwater forests play a critical role in the ocean’s ecosystem. They provide habitat for many other marine species like the weedy seadragon, rock lobster, abalone and trumpeter to just name a few. Giant kelp absorbs carbon dioxide for photosynthesises and grows rapidly, up to an astonishing 60cm/day. Research has shown that giant kelp forests can absorb carbon at rates up to 50 times greater than forests on land. Research has begun with identifying individual giant kelp plants that may be genetically better adapted to warmer sea temperatures. Spores were collected from these plants and replanted out in three restoration plots; early results are promising.
Visiting the few remaining kelp forests in Tasmania is always one of my diving highlights. The ambiance within the forest is so variable depending on the surface conditions. Bright sunny days produce spectacular sunbursts, with shards of light penetrating through the canopy to light up the forest below. While overcast days, the forest takes on a dark and gloomy appearance. The forest can be either motionless or full of life, swaying back and forth when the swells go through. Each visit will never be the same as the last.
This drawing is from one of my images captured in one of the larger giant kelp forests remaining off the Acteaon Islands, South of Hobart. Looking closely at the kelp shows the textured detail in each of the blades. At the base of each blade is a smooth, golden gas filled buoyancy bladder. These suspend the kelp blades in the water allowing the plants to form a thick floating canopy on the surface above.
Prints are produced locally using the highest quality cotton rag or canvas with archival pigment inks with a fade resistant life of up to and exceeding 100 years.
The surface of the printed cotton rag is very delicate and will scuff easily if not handled carefully. It is recommended the prints are delivered to a professional framer. To avoid reflections from the glass, it is highly recommended a clear non-reflective glass is used.
The canvas is a textured, 380gsm Bright White canvas suitable for all canvas printing applications. The canvas prints are coated with a UV inhibitor for abrasion and fade resistance.
Allow 10-15 days for prints to be delivered and allow up to 4 weeks for stretched canvases.
Tasmania has lost a staggering 95% of its giant kelp forests along the east coast over the last few decades. These forests were once so thick that fisherman would have difficulty navigating through the thick canopies on the surface of the water. The few patches that now remain in Tasmania as well as South Australia and Victoria are protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as a threatened ecological community.
The primary driver causing the decease of the giant kelp forests in Tasmania is warming sea water and low nutrient rich water coming down via the East Australian Current (EAC). The EAC has also brought along invasive species like the long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus Rodgersii). They have been devouring everything in their path, leaving only bare rock behind.
These underwater forests play a critical role in the ocean’s ecosystem. They provide habitat for many other marine species like the weedy seadragon, rock lobster, abalone and trumpeter to just name a few. Giant kelp absorbs carbon dioxide for photosynthesises and grows rapidly, up to an astonishing 60cm/day. Research has shown that giant kelp forests can absorb carbon at rates up to 50 times greater than forests on land. Research has begun with identifying individual giant kelp plants that may be genetically better adapted to warmer sea temperatures. Spores were collected from these plants and replanted out in three restoration plots; early results are promising.
Visiting the few remaining kelp forests in Tasmania is always one of my diving highlights. The ambiance within the forest is so variable depending on the surface conditions. Bright sunny days produce spectacular sunbursts, with shards of light penetrating through the canopy to light up the forest below. While overcast days, the forest takes on a dark and gloomy appearance. The forest can be either motionless or full of life, swaying back and forth when the swells go through. Each visit will never be the same as the last.
This drawing is from one of my images captured in one of the larger giant kelp forests remaining off the Acteaon Islands, South of Hobart. Looking closely at the kelp shows the textured detail in each of the blades. At the base of each blade is a smooth, golden gas filled buoyancy bladder. These suspend the kelp blades in the water allowing the plants to form a thick floating canopy on the surface above.
Prints are produced locally using the highest quality cotton rag or canvas with archival pigment inks with a fade resistant life of up to and exceeding 100 years.
The surface of the printed cotton rag is very delicate and will scuff easily if not handled carefully. It is recommended the prints are delivered to a professional framer. To avoid reflections from the glass, it is highly recommended a clear non-reflective glass is used.
The canvas is a textured, 380gsm Bright White canvas suitable for all canvas printing applications. The canvas prints are coated with a UV inhibitor for abrasion and fade resistance.
Allow 10-15 days for prints to be delivered and allow up to 4 weeks for stretched canvases.