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Together we can restore the health of our planet
We do this by leading independent research focused on filling the knowledge gaps surrounding kelp forests, restoring the balance of natural kelp forests that are threatened by climate change, overfishing and pollution, and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewardship through education and training.
With a regenerative powerhouse like kelp forests enabling just climate solutions, we think this reimagined world is within reach.
But before industry, coastal communities and scientists fully dive into kelp’s potential to restore our ocean, we must gain a better understanding of our underwater forests. Essential questions remain around kelp ecosystems: How much carbon does kelp help remove from the atmosphere? How long does this carbon capture last? How can kelp forests improve water quality? Can kelp really feed the world?
The Kelp Forest Foundation is committed to clearing up these knowledge gaps. As we strive to create a regenerative blue economy supporting sustainable livelihoods and inspiring climate action within coastal communities, we believe in the power of people to advocate for this underestimated ecosystem. To achieve our vision, we bridge the gaps between science, industry and communities to ensure kelp forests receive the attention and support they deserve.
Whether it is providing shelter for hundreds of marine species or improving water quality, kelp is the ultimate ocean helper. The benefits kelp provides to the land and humans are called ecosystem services or a positive impact that is provided by nature.
To dive into all the ways kelp is making a big splash in helping our planet, scroll down.
Kelp products are a sustainable alternative for plastics, synthetic fertiliser, medicine, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and potentially textiles, and building materials.
Many coastal communities are reliant on kelp forests as a food source, both found in the wealth of sea life it harbours and in the nutrient rich sea vegetable itself. Kelp has great potential to feed the world in a changing climate because it does not require arable land, fresh water or pesticides and it is dense in nutritional value.
Coastlines are some of the most populated places in the world. With nearly 750 million people living within a 50km radius of a kelp forest, this vital ecosystem is a hub for creating sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities.
Kelp creates jobs within kelp cultivation, ocean engineering, conservation, marine biology, fishing, education and more.
Seaweeds have been culturally significant to many indigenous coastal peoples around the world for millennia. Kelps played a key role in traditional storytelling, ceremonies and spirituality. They were also used in daily life in medicine, hunting, toys, household conveniences, and navigation.
Applying kelp bio-stimulant can improve soil health, plant performance, and can reduce the amount of synthetic fertilizer required.
Kelp absorbs the surplus nutrients in the water, reducing the risk of toxic algal blooms and dead zones.
If you are a sea creature looking to rest in the wide open ocean, look no further than a kelp bed. With their sweeping canopy forever undulating in everchanging motion, the understory of a kelp bed creates the perfect refuge for animals seeking shelter.
Secluded from predators, their towering vegetated habitat also serves as an idyllic breeding ground for several species.
As storms become more and more destructive with climate change, kelp forest’s dense canopy serves as a natural barrier against swells’ powerful force, reducing coastal erosion, property destruction and flooding.
Did you know our oceans are becoming more acidic? The ocean absorbs about 30
percent of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere – leaving behind waters with an unbalanced chemistry and dangerously low PH levels.
When kelp dies, some of the matter, called detritus, floats away and sinks to the bottom of the deep ocean, where it is locked away for long periods of time.
The kelp forest is unique because of its high levels of biodiversity. Because it is so good at providing shelter and food for inhabitants, a wide range of different types of animals live in this marine sanctuary. Kelp forests are known to host up to 1,000 species from tiny sea snails to mischievous sea otters.
Harnessing the power of giant kelp