PhD researcher Cat Wilding has returned to the UK with valuable new insights into kelp restoration science following her attendance at the KELPRIME Final Workshop in Bodø, Norway, supported by a Fishmongers’ Company Student Travel Bursary.
Cat’s doctoral research focuses on developing effective restoration techniques for kelp forests, which are vital coastal habitats that support marine biodiversity and fisheries, while also contributing to carbon storage and coastal resilience. Her work addresses a key challenge facing kelp ecosystems: increasing sea temperatures driven by climate change.
The KELPRIME workshop brought together leading researchers in kelp physiology, molecular ecology and aquaculture to share findings from a three-year international project investigating “temperature priming”. This emerging technique explores whether briefly exposing young kelp to elevated temperatures can enhance their resilience to future heat stress, an approach with potential applications for restoration and hatchery practices.
Over two days of talks and discussions, Cat gained insights into the molecular mechanisms behind stress memory in kelp, evidence of improved performance in early life stages following priming, and how these findings could be translated into real-world restoration efforts. These themes align closely with her PhD research, strengthening the scientific foundations of her work to improve the long-term success of kelp restoration in UK waters.
Cat also presented results from her recent aquarium experiments, showcasing UK-based restoration research to an international audience. The highly collaborative nature of the workshop enabled productive exchanges across career stages and disciplines, helping her to build new research connections and explore opportunities for future collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Reflecting on the experience, Cat highlighted the importance of international partnership in tackling shared environmental challenges and expressed her gratitude to the Fishmongers’ Company for supporting her participation. The knowledge and connections gained from the workshop will directly inform her ongoing research and contribute to efforts to restore and protect vital kelp ecosystems in the UK.
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