To advance these goals, our researchers work in both the lab and the field. We operate two kelp nurseries, one at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and another at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station. In these nurseries, we study how to create the best growing conditions for bull kelp and giant kelp, including the right substrates and seeding densities.

Once the young kelp are ready, they are carefully moved from the nursery to the ocean. This step requires precise planning and equipment to keep the kelp secure during transport and placement. Each year, we refine and scale up these processes to improve efficiency and success rates. We also test a range of outplanting techniques, including those that rely on divers and others that use boat-based methods to place kelp on the seafloor.