Goals & Objectives
Our Goals
Throughout this three-year project, we aim to create a cost-effective and sustainable program to restore kelp forests at Toyon Bay and Fox Landing, and establish a dedicated on-site team for ongoing restoration efforts. CIMI will also incorporate kelp forest monitoring and restoration into our year-round educational programs. In the future, the hope is to expand restoration to nearby sites through collaboration with the dive community.
Why Kelp Needs Our Help
The Collapse of Kelp
Between 2014 and 2016 an unprecedented period of unusually high ocean temperatures invaded the waters of the West Coast from Alaska down to Baja California.
The combination of this marine heat wave paired with El Niño, seasonal storms and invasive species had a detrimental impact on Catalina Island's iconic kelp forests, resulting in a substantial decline in kelp.
The Spread of Sargassum
The warmer water and absence of kelp created a “perfect storm” allowing Sargassum horneri, an invasive algae, along with native warmer water turf algae to take over preventing the return of kelp.
This prolonged period of little to no kelp, especially on the east end of Catalina, has impacted the biodiversity and economy of the island. It’s also important to note that while sea urchins have hindered kelp recovery on most of the West Coast, they don't seem to be the problem on Catalina.
Project Objectives
Objective 1:
Understand Kelp Trends
on Catalina Island
To guide our kelp restoration efforts, we need to analyze historical data, focusing on changes in kelp distribution and abundance over time.
Objective 2:
Map & Monitor
Restoration Sites
After extensive mapping, we will regularly monitor our restoration sites to observe the natural and human-induced changes in the ecosystem.
Objective 3:
Remove Sargassum & Reintroduce Kelp
Our team will evaluate various methods to identify the most efficient approach for removing Sargassum to improve the conditions kelp needs to grow and thrive.
Objective 4:
Share What We Learn
We hope to provide valuable information for scientists, policymakers, and the public to enhance kelp protection and restoration efforts. Additionally, through educational programs, CIMI will engage tens of thousands of students in kelp restoration each year.