Expert Briefing: Accelerating Kelp Forest Recovery in California

Sponsored by Assemblymember Diane Papan and in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Ocean Protection Council and California Sea Grant, this expert briefing provided a legislative update on California’s kelp forest recovery efforts by outlining recent and future state actions and investments, as well as showcased state-funded research projects to highlight science advancements and needs for accelerating kelp restoration.

Featured speakers included

• Michael Esgro, Senior Biodiversity Manager & Tribal Liaison, California Ocean Protection Council
• Dr. Kristen Elsmore, Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist), California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Dr. Shauna Oh, Director, California Sea Grant
• Rosa Laucci, Marine Program Manager, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation
• Tristin Anoush McHugh, Kelp Project Director, The Nature Conservancy
• Dr. Jenn Caselle, Research Biologist, University of California, Santa Barbara

Missed the webinar? Watch it here.

Presented in Partnership with
California Ocean Protection Council	California Department of Fish & Wildlife	California Sea Grant

Sponsored by
California Assemblymember Diane Papan

The deterioration of California’s kelp forests from 2014-2019 has mobilized both science and management communities to advance a ‘learn by doing’ approach for research, restoration and future recovery of this critical ecosystem. Early and innovative science investments have been invaluable to informing the development of ecosystem-based management strategies and statewide initiatives, such as the current development of a Kelp Restoration and Management Plan.

Sponsored by Assemblymember Diane Papan and in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Ocean Protection Council and California Sea Grant, this expert briefing provided a legislative update on California’s kelp forests and highlighted critical state actions, science investments, and research efforts to accelerate restoration. The discussion showcased a few state-funded research projects to demonstrate science advancements and needs for accelerating kelp recovery along California’s coastline.