California has lost 90% of its kelp forests in the last 10 years due to climate change and other impacts. To solve this problem, Scripps scientists are developing restoration methods to bring back the lost kelp forests of La Jolla and quantify the carbon sequestration benefits of kelp forests to unlock funding from carbon finance. Restoring kelp forests helps reverse climate change and supports local biodiversity, fishing, recreation, and cultural heritage of kelp forests for First Nations in California.
The restoration science of kelp forests is funded by SeaTrees brand partners. SeaTrees is a program of the nonprofit Sustainable Surf that plants, protects, and restores blue carbon coastal ecosystems around the world to reverse climate change. This project also has significant engagement from the local surf community, who have noticed the loss of kelp forests that usually exist just outside of San Diego’s famous surf breaks.