National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Restore and Protect Kelp Forests
16 Jul, 2021
Silver Spring, Md. – July 16, 2021 –
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation President and CEO Kris Sarri released the following statement on the introduction of the “Keeping Ecosystems Living and Productive Act” (KELP Act) by Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2)
“Kelp forests not only provide habitat for countless fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates, but they also provide critical ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and coastline protection. Unfortunately, this once-vibrant ecosystem has all but disappeared in northern California. I thank Congressman Huffman and the co-sponsors for their leadership on this important issue.
“The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to supporting protection and restoration of kelp forests, including the Farallones Kelp Recovery Program that promotes national, regional, state and local partnerships to advance kelp restoration, monitoring, research and community engagement. Efforts to map kelp forest coverage and loss using drone technology, conduct large-scale urchin removals, and plant young kelp in cleared areas are ways we and our partners are working towards a healthy kelp forest ecosystem on the west coast.”
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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports America’s national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve cultural and maritime heritage. We accomplish our mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research and exploration. The Foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org.
