The Race To Help Kelp

Although they cover more than 1/3 of our world's coastlines, kelp forests are often forgotten - and thus, neglected when it comes to funding for restoration, protection, and research.

The Kelp Forest Challenge was created to raise awareness, fix this problem, and help the kelp. Launched in 2023, it has a global mission: 

To secure our connection to the ocean, and to protect 3 million hectares and restore 1 million hectares of kelp forest habitats by 2040.

Kelp restoration first started in 1718 by a monk in northern Japan. It's just like underwater gardening - and nature can flourish with a helping hand! Let's take a look at some communities around the globe working to save their local kelp forests as part of this ambitious vision.

At the forefront of kelp forest restoration is the Korean Fisheries Resource Agency which has committed to restoring 30,000 ha of kelp forests by the year 2030.

The ambitious Seaforestation Project is restoring kelp forests on a national scale. Running from 2009 to 2030, it combines aquaculture, government backing, marine ecology, and underwater engineering to get results. This project is the largest pledge to the Kelp Forest Challenge.

Downunder, Operation Crayweed has been working to restore a local kelp, affectionately known as 'Crayweed', to 70 km of the Sydney coastline.

This engaging project transplants kelp onto underwater mats and is transforming Sydney's coastline into a thriving marine habitat. And it's not just about kelp; it's a community-driven adventure bringing life back to the sea, blending science with public excitement.

A joint project between the Haida Nation, Parks Canada, and multiple universities is creating a sea urchin fishery to employ people, catch sustainable seafood, and restore the giant kelp forests of Gwaii Haanas

A blend of traditional Haida values and modern science, this project has created a local sea urchin fishery to rejuvenate kelp forests, while nurturing local community involvement and reviving traditional seafood practices. It's a project that respects both nature and culture.

In Cascais, a local municipality has backed the seaweed start-up, SeaForester, to trial new methods to restore the Portuguese coastline.

The Green Gravel technique involves seeding stones with seaweed spores, fostering them in nurseries, and setting them into oceans. This scalable, cost-effective approach hopes to revitalize our oceans and integrate global research and community efforts.

In the U.S.A., communities are restoring the Bull Kelp forests of Northern California, which were reduced by 95% in recent years. This project combines seaweed aquaculture, urchin fisheries, and the latest science in genetics.

The Mendocino Bull Kelp Restoration Project creatively involves the local fishing community and seaweed farmers harnessing their skills and knowledge for ecological restoration. This collaboration seeks to restore marine ecosystems, emphasizing industry and community engagement.

These are just a few of the projects around the world on a mission to help kelp. To discover more or get involved visit the Kelp Forest Alliance. It doesn't matter if you are a snorkeler, CEO, scientist, artist, Prime Minister, or ocean lover - you too can join the movement!