Those heading to Arctic Norway to explore the northern lights should look down as well as up – peering into the icy fjords through a new outdoor, exhibition showcasing kelp restoration efforts around Tromsø. 

On January 9th, 2026, the unique exhibition at the Sørsjetéen jetty in Tromsø was officially opened, inviting locals and visitors to explore the vibrant underwater world with stunning photography by Clément Brun, Ann Cools, and Liga Sirava which documents the journey from barren seabed to thriving kelp forest.

Why kelp matters 

For decades, northern Norway has faced a dramatic decline in kelp forests, up to 80% of the kelp forests have disappeared over the last 50 years, largely replaced by urchin barrens. These ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and fisheries. Ocean Green is tackling this challenge with a large-scale, sustainable approach that combines research, innovation, and citizen science.

“Kelp loss is a global problem, and here in northern Norway, the scale of decline has been dramatic,” says Dagny-Elise Anastassiou, Chief Impact Officer at Ava Ocean and Ocean Green project lead. “What we’re doing with Ocean Green is creating a sustainable solution that not only restores biodiversity but also supports fisheries and carbon capture—delivering benefits far beyond the ocean.”

Community effort beneath the surface

The exhibition showcases the transformation made possible by volunteers from Rissa Citizen Science, who have been diving into the fjords to remove sea urchins by hand. One side of the jetty remains untouched, while the other bursts with life - kelp, shrimp, fish, and sea slugs—illustrating how quickly nature can rebound when given a chance.

“This exhibition is a way to thank the volunteers who made this possible,” says Delphin Ruché, founder of Rissa Citizen Science. “By reducing urchin density, we’ve created space for kelp to return, bringing back an abundance of marine life.”

Beyond restoration, Ocean Green is exploring how to use the harvested urchins, while working toward a circular economy that benefits coastal communities like Tromsø.

Plan your visit

The exhibition is free and open to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the Arctic’s underwater jungles.

Visit the exhibition: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ocean+Green+kelp+restoration+exhibition/@69.6442329,18.9542758,17z