This ambitious, innovative project will provide significant benefits for kelp forest ecosystems and coastal communities that rely on commercial fishing

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) will provide $2,521,000.00 to the Oregon Kelp Alliance LLC to restore kelp forest ecosystems and support coastal communities in Port Orford, OR. The project aims to address marine habitat loss, increase essential fish habitat, create ecotourism and recreation business opportunities, and generate local job opportunities in kelp restoration work. The funding will be used to track progress through scientific surveys of kelp area restored, a sea-star recovery plan, investments into local communities, job creation, and scientific publications. The project will run from May 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.

Funds will be used to restore kelp forests. The initiative will address marine habitat loss while providing benefits via increased essential fish habitat, business opportunities in ecotourism and recreation, and enhanced job opportunities in kelp restoration work. Healthy kelp forest habitats also provide protection from coastal erosion, reducing associated safety hazards and maintenance costs. The initiative will track progress using scientific surveys of kelp area restored, a sea-star recovery plan created by the nature conservancy, funds invested into local communities, number of jobs created, and scientific papers resulting from the work.