Each project we lead contributes to a collective effort to understand and restore kelp forests along BC’s coast.
Through field research, restoration trials and community partnerships, we’re building the knowledge and tools needed to support lasting recovery.​
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Together, these projects advance coastal science, guide real-world restoration and strengthen the resilience of the ecosystems and communities that depend on kelp.
Kelp Restoration Experiments
A summary of our ongoing and completed kelp restoration projects and focus areas:
Restoration Method Development
Finding answers to practical methods questions and developing scalable, future-proof restoration approaches to create a Roadmap to BC Kelp Forest Recovery.
Thermal Tolerance and Adaptation
Conducting experiments to test the thermal tolerance and plasicity of kelp.
Sea Urchin
Control
Testing novel methods of urchin deterrents and removal, and supporting cultural harvest in order to protect at-risk kelp forests.
Alternative Seeding Methods
Developing novel methods of seeding kelp directly onto the ocean floor.
Kelp Genomics
A summary of our ongoing and completed kelp genomics projects:
Population Genomics
Kelp across the Pacific Northwest are genetically distinct and face different risks. We're sequencing the genomes of hundreds of BC Kelp to guide efforts.
Genome Assembly
Assembling bull kelp (Nereocystis) and giant kelp (Macrosystis) genomes to create resources that link research with genomic data.
Assessing the Status of Kelp
A summary of our ongoing and completed projects assessing the status of kelp:
Historic Changes in Kelp Distribution
Using historical records to map where kelp forests once thrived and identify the factors behind their decline to guide restoration planning and site selection in the northern Salish Sea.
Kelp Habitat Suitability
Assessing and mapping the environmental and biological factors that shape where kelp thrives, to guide effective salmon and coastal ecosystem management.
Species Distribution Modelling
Pairing kelp records from across BC with spatial data on present and future ocean conditions to model how kelp forests may shift with climate change.
Kelp Outreach, Partnership and Capacity-Building
Our ongoing efforts:
First Nations Engagement
Working with First Nations to align goals and conservation strategies, providing support and research to restoration efforts.
Technical Trainings
Providing training in skills and equipment such as scuba diving and ROV piloting to help First Nations monitor kelp in their territories.
Kelp Forest Awareness
Deepening people’s understanding of kelp through virtual dives and public talks across BC. Conact us to request an outreach event.