About Us

The Kelp Rescue Initiative is a non-profit organization striving to lead and support kelp restoration in British Columbia through rigorous science, innovation, collaboration, and by providing education and resources on kelp status, trends and restoration expertise.

Our Mission

To advance kelp research and restoration, restore resilient kelp forests at an ecologically meaningful scale, and provide broadly-accessible restoration resources. This includes:

Globally impactful restoration science, facilitated through our international partnerships and collaborations.

Developing accessible best-practice documents, including a Roadmap to Kelp Recovery for BC.

Restoring kelp at an ecologically meaningful scale.

Our Values

Leadership, Collaboration and Partnership

We believe in developing reciprocal partnerships to create a collaborative restoration network. We will provide the leadership that advances our shared vision of healthy kelp ecosystems and capitalizes on our unique skills and knowledge to empower Indigenous and local communities in stewarding their marine resources.

Inclusive Science-Based Impact

We lead and support inclusive and rigorous research and science-based restoration projects. This includes creating open-access science outputs and reports, sharing data with consent and as appropriate, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and Two-eyed seeing in our decision-making, and active outreach in the communities we work in. We will achieve the highest international standard for the impact of our work in restoration, kelp forest ecology, innovation and training in marine science.

Ocean Connection

We strive to make our work relevant and impactful to the communities the work is situated in, raise awareness around ocean and kelp status/trends, and foster a sense of connectedness to kelp ecosystems.

Reconciliation and Decolonization

We recognize that all partnerships must be built on a foundation of trust. Our aim is to foster relationships that can be built into partnerships with First Nations to strengthen research, education, build capacity and to support First Nation priorities. We will work together to identify and initiate meaningful acts of reconciliation and decolonization that support our shared goals with First Nations and proactively change harmful structures and practices where we work.

Environmental Sustainability

At its core, our work promotes a sustainable future and healthy ocean environment. We recognize that kelp restoration is no replacement for climate mitigation, but view restoring kelp forests as a key tool to maintaining ecosystem functioning in a stressed environment. As an organization we strive to reduce our environmental impact/footprint, and conduct research and education that supports coastal, marine and ocean stewardship.

Operational Longevity and Innovative Spirit

We will work together to generate the economic and community resources to advance and sustain our vision and mission in the long term. We will develop organizational stability and cultivate safe spaces through both conventional and creative avenues to build a foundation of trust and accountability with both our partners and employees. Driven by the urgency of the ocean health crisis, we use our creativity, ambition and innovative thinking to problem-solve and find solutions to complex issues.

Meet The Team

Dr. Jasmin Schuster

Program Manager

Jasmin’s expertise and leadership in kelp ecology, including experimental, field- and diving-based research are a strong asset to Kelp Rescue’s mandate to restore kelp ecosystems around Vancouver Island. She has led research projects on Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts with a focus on kelp and urchin dynamics.

Dr. Julia Baum

Scientific Advisor

Professor, President's Chair, Uvic

With more than 20 years experience leading conservation-relevant ocean science research, Julia brings her broad expertise in marine ecology, data synthesis, EDI and climate change impacts and solutions to the initiative.

Dr. Sean Rogers

Scientific Advisor

BMSC Director, Professor, UCalgary

Sean brings more than 25 years of experience leading research in population persistence and adaptation to environmental change. His particular focus is in marine fishes, including pacific salmon.

Dr. Lauren Dykman

Kelp Restoration Science Lead

Postdoctoral Fellow, KRI & UVic

Lauren contributes expertise in marine community ecology, researching responses to disturbance in ecosystems, and restoration field management. She also has extensive experience with scientific diving and planning deep-sea oceanographic cruises.

Alexandria Niese

Operations Manager

Alex has a diverse background in scientific project management, laboratory operations and fieldwork. She has developed her skills through various positions in aquatic research ranging from stock assessment biologist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to algae culture technician at Nova Harvest.

S. Clay Steell

Restoration Technician

Clay has an M.Sc in invasive species ecology and has previously studied reproduction in intertidal macroalgae. He brings a professional background in lab management, research coordination, and science communication.

Connie Crocker (Xwulsiim)

First Nations Liaison

Connie is an elder from the Pune'luxutth Tribe and brings a love for the culture and traditions of all first peoples. With more than 20 years of commercial fishing she has a true love for coastal communities and restoring a healthy ocean. Connie brings experience from working with DFO and Arts & Culture within the Chemainus Valley.

Lauren Shae

Research Technician/AERF Grant Manager

Lauren has an MSc in marine resource management and has broad field experience managing diving and boating operations around the world.

Maisie Roy-Musor

Kelp Culturing and Innovation Technician

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Carolyn McKinnon

Assistant Kelp Culture

Technician

Carolyn has spent the last five years working in ocean education, research, and monitoring. She is excited to be able to apply her background in marine ecology, scientific diving, and boat operating to tackling local kelp conservation.