Marine kelp forests cover 1/3 of our world’s coastlines supporting a rich tapestry of biodiversity throughout our oceans. But they are increasingly threatened with some areas reporting over 90% declines. Despite their importance and the threats they face, they are absent from international conservation dialogue and very few countries consider them in their national policy.
Dr. Aaron Eger (an OFF research grant recipient) is Founder and Program Director of the Kelp Forest Alliance (KFA), a global research driven not for profit, working to change the status of kelp forests. Together with 550 kelp experts, professionals, and citizens from 27 countries, the KFA is launching the Kelp Forest Challenge, calling for the restoration of 1 million and protection of 3 million Ha of kelp forests by 2040, a monumental challenge. He is also lead author on the first kelp restoration guidebook.
Aaron’s talk can be viewed on OFF’s YouTube channel here.