resources
Sometimes we can feel helpless in the face of ecological destruction, but there are ways to help whether you prefer to donate, dive, educate, or just spread the word. Below are several ways that you can help save our kelp forests.
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Additionally, check out a wonderful page of kelp resources put together by our friend Pat Webster HERE
Donate
Here are some places to donate that will have the biggest impact on kelp Restoration
The Greater Farallones Association directly supports projects related to kelp forest restoration in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, as well as wetland rehabilitation and coastal resilience.
https://farallones.org/donate/
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Alongside kelp restoration and urchin removal efforts on California's North Coast, The Nature Conservancy is helping fund restoration projects worldwide.
https://preserve.nature.org/page/80429/donate/1
The Sunflower Star Laboratory is doing incredible work to breed and reintroduce Sunflower Sea Stars (one of the most important species in kelp forest management and balanced ecosystems).
https://www.sunflowerstarlab.org
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Dive
For the intrepid viewer who wants to make a boots on the ground difference in Kelp forest restoration, below are several projects you can get involved with as a member of the public.
Caspar Cove Project
There is currently a project going on at Caspar Cove (Mendocino), involving the general public with the in situ removal and culling of purple sea urchins. This is a way that you can have a direct impact in a local reef, and see the change over time as more people help clear the reef in Caspar, and allow bull kelp and other algaes time to regrow and repopulate.
https://www.casparcoveproject.org
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​Tidepooling
You don't have to dive underwater to make a difference. But you might have to get your feet wet. If you are a tide pooler, use the I-Naturalist app to report pycnopodia and other sea star sightings along the northern California coast.
​https://www.inaturalist.org/
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Tankers Reef Project
If you want to dive in, but don't live easy driving distance to Caspar Cove. There is also a project in Monterey at Tankers Reef. Click link below to learn more.
Citizen Science
For the ocean minded, who want to take part in direct action and citizen science, below are opportunities to help monitor kelp forests and lesson plans for educators.
Reef Check California is an incredible way to get involved with long term and important kelp forest monitoring in California. No marine science degree necessary. Click the link below to explore options with Reef Check
https://www.reefcheck.org/kelp-forest-program/
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For youth and educators.
(Long-Term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students). LiMPETS provides immersive, science-based environmental education that empowers students to become informed and engaged ocean stewards.
https://farallones.org/limpets/
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Swin in a Kelp Forest!
Pre K and Grade 1-3 activities for teachers
Click the link below to find lesson plans and activities for introducing young kids to the kelp forest and its importance.
Educate, Build Community, and Spread the word
We know not everyone has the ability to dive in the kelp, or donate money. But that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to help. Listed below are projects, artists, community programs and ways to get involved that can be as simple as just spreading the word.
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Kelp Wanted:
Click link below for a thorough list of more kelp related information and ways you can help on a global and local scale
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Other Kelp Films
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Kelp Forest photography and Exhibits
https://exhibitenvoy.org/exhibits/kelp-wanted
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Kelp forest art
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Noyo Center
https://www.noyocenter.org/help-the-kelp
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Kelp Festival
https://www.northcoastkelpfest.org
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