Sustaining Marine Forests: A genomics and experimental approach to inform bull kelp restoration, aquaculture and conservation

Canopy kelp spans the water column, creating forests that stretch from the seafloor to the surface. These forests engineer their environment, create forage and refuge habitat for marine life, and contribute to productivity and biodiversity. However, in parts of the Salish Sea, the canopy-forming kelp — bull kelp — has declined dramatically. At the same time, interest in seaweed aquaculture is on the rise. To support both kelp restoration and farming, we must understand how to preserve the genetic integrity of wild bull kelp.

Project background

Researchers investigated the genetic population structure of Salish Sea bull kelp forests and invested in bull kelp restoration. They completed a genomic mapping analysis, grew seed material from a seed bank, produced hybrid crosses for a reciprocal transplant experiment, and tested methods for kelp seed production. They also conducted in-water kelp restoration and co-hosted the Central Sound Kelp Knowledge Symposium with the Suquamish Tribe.

Results and findings

Investigating the population structure of Salish Sea bull kelp forests revealed genetic differences between kelp in different areas, information that could help determine how to preserve the genetic integrity of wild bull kelp when outplanting it as part of aquaculture or restoration efforts. The findings of the genomic analysis became a peer-reviewed paper (awaiting publication, draft available here). The project also grew a bull kelp seed bank to preserve genetic diversity and is investigating the need to refresh seeds in the seed bank. Through the reciprocal transplant project, the team tested and refined a variety of methods for producing kelp seed from adults, ultimately resulting in seed that could successfully be outplanted. In addition, the project completed and continues to drive a variety of outreach activities, including in-water kelp reforestation via outplanting with Squaxin Island Tribe and Samish Indian Nation, community-based “kelp gardening,” co-hosting the Central Sound Kelp Knowledge Symposium with the Suquamish Tribe, and more.

Contact information

Jodie Toft
Executive Director
Puget Sound Restoration Fund
jodie@restorationfund.org