This work stands at the forefront of innovation as it presents a completely new solution for regrowing kelp forests amidst the challenge of rising ocean temperatures. We employed a cutting-edge engraving technique on stones, creating a conducive substrate for kelp to latch onto and flourish within a protected environment prior to their reintroduction into the ocean. This technique offers both a technical and ecological advancement in marine restoration practices.

Deforestation of kelp forests is a significant yet underreported issue affecting France's coastal waters.

TBS, with a heritage spanning 50 years and deep ties to the ocean through sailing, recognizes the urgency of this environmental challenge.

One Ocean, a prominent foundation with UNESCO's support, shares this recognition.

Their collaboration is a strategic and natural alliance to address the critical issue of kelp deforestation.

Brands : A conglomerate involving TBS, a clothing brand that has drawn its inspiration from the sea since 1978, accompanied by the 1 Ocean Foundation. This foundation operates under the auspices of the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), a project supported by UNESCO.

Brief : How to turn TBS's dedication to the sea into concrete action?

Objectives : Launch a project to protect the ocean and fight climate change, with goals to restore expansive tracts of kelp forest, crucial for preserving biodiversity and increasing CO2 absorption.

We've developed a method to convert seabed stones into "seeds" for cultivating kelp trees, bypassing their vulnerable early growth phase. Young kelp plants are so vulnerable they can’t start growing amid rising ocean temperatures until they reach a height of 12 centimeters. Our technique involves carving spaces in ocean rocks for kelp to securely develop in a protected environment before being strong enough to endure the ocean's conditions. This innovation has transformed thousands of rocks into nurturing homes for kelp, revitalizing ocean ecosystems.

_ March 11, 2023: Collection of substrate stones began off the coast of Brittany for habitat engineering purposes.

_March 18, 2023: Healthy kelp specimens were harvested from a selected marine area to ensure genetic robustness.

_March 23, 2023: The stones were precision-carved to facilitate secure kelp attachment and growth.

_April 7, 2023: Kelp seedlings were affixed to the engineered rocks in a controlled aquarium environment.

_April 17, 2023: The kelp reached a critical growth milestone, maturing to 12 centimeters.

_April 25, 2023: The growth process continued in large aquaculture tanks, simulating the kelp's natural oceanic conditions.

_May 7, 2023: Mature kelp, now several meters long, were carefully relocated from tanks to their natural marine habitats.

_May 8, 2023: Initial reintroduction was successfully executed off the Loire Estuary.

_October 12, 2023: Further reintroduction followed off the coast of Karvag, Norway.

_January 7, 2024: The project culminated with kelp reintroduction in Nu’uroa, French Polynesia, achieving a global restoration impact.

We've developed a method to convert seabed stones into "seeds" for cultivating kelp trees, bypassing their vulnerable early growth phase. Young kelp plants are so vulnerable they can’t start growing amid rising ocean temperatures until they reach a height of 12 centimeters.

Our technique involves carving spaces in ocean rocks for kelp to securely develop in a protected environment before being strong enough to endure the ocean's conditions. This innovation has transformed thousands of rocks into nurturing homes for kelp, revitalizing ocean ecosystems.

We launched a reforestation program targeting the Loire Estuary in France, Norway, and French Polynesia, focusing on severely affected areas. We've installed underwater cameras at these sites to track salinity, temperature, light, and kelp regrowth in real-time, helping us identify robust versus fragile kelps.

We've successfully reforested over 50 000 square meters of kelp forest in areas most affected: the Loire Estuary in France, Norway, and French Polynesia.

The concern regarding kelp deforestation has now escalated to significant levels of government attention, prompting discussions among political authorities.

If the Rockseeds technique is applied to replant the 20% of kelp forest areas that have been lost worldwide, it could capture an additional 47 million tons of CO2.