My research investigates kelp blue carbon, focusing on the production, decomposition, transport, and fate of kelp detritus along Australia’s southwest coast. Blue carbon refers to carbon stored and sequestered by coastal vegetated ecosystems, including kelp forests, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and mangroves. Australian kelp forests are globally significant blue carbon systems, with first-order estimates suggesting they may contribute up to 30% of Australia’s blue carbon. Detached kelp can contribute to long-term carbon sequestration when exported to deep-sea environments, but the magnitude and persistence of this pathway remain poorly quantified. My research examines spatial and seasonal variability in detrital carbon availability, decomposition, and transport which together with our blue carbon group led by Dr. Karen Filbee-Dexter, aims to better define the role of kelp forests in marine carbon cycling. In addition to my…