This project will restore kelp forest habitat at fort ross cove in greater farallones national marine sanctuary to aid in improving ecosystem function, potential carbon sequestration capacity, and…

This project will restore kelp forest habitat at fort ross cove in greater farallones national marine sanctuary to aid in improving ecosystem function, potential carbon sequestration capacity, and localized amelioration of ocean acidification in the sanctuary. The project will transition urchin barrens to kelp forests by reducing red and purple urchin densities via hand removal to less than two urchins per meter squared, outplant bull kelp to increase annual recruitment and growth of bull kelp, and monitor the success and effectiveness of urchin management and accelerate regrowth of kelp forest habitat. The project will educate the public including youth on the north coast and around the BAY area about the importance of kelp forest habitat and about this project; and share important findings from the project with the greater research and conservation community. The work will result in improved kelp habitat, red abalone and red sea urchin fisheries, and ecosystem health.