Kelp forest restoration

Kelp Forest Restoration

Kelp Loss | Sea Urchin Barrens | The Process

Since 2014, over 90% of kelp forests have been lost along the Northern California Coastline including in Fort Ross State Historic Park. Towering kelp forests have since been replaced by barrens of herbivorous purple sea urchins.

Thanks to Greater Farallones Association (GFA) in partnership with NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries (GFNMS/CBNMS) and numerous collaborating agencies working to re-establish kelp, there is hope of recovery. We are thrilled to be a partner to spread the word of the incredible efforts to bring back these critical marine ecosystems at the edges of Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary for both marine life and coastal communities.

See where kelp restoration is happening, find sea urchins in the tide pools, and learn about sea urchin and kelp biology and ecology in the Marine Ecology Program!

Video by Paul Chetirkin, NOAA

Where is kelp being restored?

On the Sonoma Coast, kelp restoration work is being carried out in Fort Ross Cove, Ocean Cove and Timber Cove within the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. This is a five year project that commenced in 2023. The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians are also leading a kelp restoration project at Sea Ranch in Sonoma County.

The kelp restoration team

The kelp restoration project is a collaborative effort being led by Greater Farallones Association, NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, and NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation. There are 23 other partnering organizations involved including FRC.

To learn more about this project, contact Rietta Hohman, Kelp Restoration Project Manager, at rhohman@farallones.org.

Why is restoration important?

Restoration is important within national marine sanctuaries as these national treasures are America’s most iconic natural and cultural marine resources. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is required by law (The National Marine Sanctuaries Act) to carry out activities to maintain, protect, and where appropriate restore and enhance natural habitats, populations and ecological processes. The boundaries of Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary expanded in 2015 to include the entire Sonoma Coast region, adding vital protections and access to support for efforts like this project.

Restoring ecosystems enhances and protects wildlife and the livelihoods of people who depend on them. Restoring kelp will help the return of marine life and important ecosystem services, support the fishing industry, strengthen food webs, and renew the beauty of these underwater forests. Among other things, kelp forests produce oxygen we breathe, store carbon, and may help to prevent coastal erosion.

With the loss of kelp, the coast is now dominated by sea urchin barrens, a new stable state where kelp regrowth is difficult. Purple sea urchins are tough and opportunistic with an incredible capacity to survive when food is scarce. They are ravenous and when new kelp starts to grow, they are ready to pounce! Because it is unlikely kelp forests will come back naturally, proactive management is needed.

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