Restoration Results

Southern California Giant Kelp Restoration Project

Between 2001 and 2004, 10,500 square meters of kelp forest were restored in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. This was followed up by the restoration of 8,000 square meters in Los Angeles and Orange County waters between 2004 and 2007. In areas of sea urchin removal, the transformation from urchin barren to mature kelp forest occurred within a year. During those six years, the project also reached out to more than one million community members and biologists educated nearly 14,000 students on the importance of these ecosystems [6]. The California Coastkeeper Alliance still coordinates with the waterkeepers of California and continue their restorative efforts today.

This graph illustrates the success seen in a three year period of a restored kelp forest. In just a short time span, kelp denisty skyrocketed; this indicates a healthy and successful effort. Graph courtesy of the California Coastkeeper Alliance.

Orange County Giant Kelp Restoration Project

From 2002 to 2011, This project has has successfully restored approximately five acres of kelp forests. Project biologists have taught over 5,000 students around Southern California about kelp forest ecology and educated another 15,000 member of the community. Monitoring of restored and potential sites continues today and have relocated upwards of 100,000 sea urchins. They have also taught students to grow and raise important kelp forest species (e.g. abalone and sea bass) in a classroom setting for later release and continue to survey the 15 reefs within the newly created Laguna Beach Marine Protected area. Restorations are still in progress throughout Southern California [7].

Above: A site prior to kelp forest restoration. Note the presence of sea urchins that potentially led to the fate of the kelp. Below: Adiver swims through the same area after restoration efforts restored the forest. Photo courtesy of Nancy Caruso.

Further Effort Required

Although these two examples offer a glimmer of hope, the plight of kelp forests around the world is dire. Since these are a worldwide habitat, global efforts are needed to really make a difference. The institution of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can serve as a good tool to help protect these newly restored and historical kelp forests alike. These ecosystems are wonders of the ocean and if not helped, they could be lost for future generations.