Aquarium of the Pacific

Conservation

Orange County Kelp Restoration Project

New focus on keeping kelp populations growing in O.C. waters

After completing our two-year commitment, we’re pleased to be able to continue our efforts in conserving Orange County’s kelp forests for another year. This is due in large part to the support of the Aquarium’s dedicated scientific diver volunteers who have been contributing both time and money.

We’ve also restructured the focus of the program to include only the most essential components to conserving the kelp; the Aquarium’s scientific volunteer divers will continue to study, monitor, and conserve the kelp. We hope the public will also get involved by donating, so we have the resources to help the kelp in the future. To donate, click here.

Kelp forests are important ecosystems that more than 800 species depend on for their survival. The Orange County coastline has lost as much as 87 percent of its giant kelp beds over the last 30 years. The project entails conserving the kelp forests in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Orange County and providing opportunities for local divers to help make a difference while getting involved in the underwater scientific field.

Giant kelp is the fastest growing aquatic plant. Growing up to two feet per day, it forms underwater forests in which hundreds of animal make their homes. The loss of habitat has had a major impact on the populations of marine life in these once lush forests along the Southern California Coast. Animals such as sharks, seals, lobsters, kelp bass, and abalone all feed and or live in kelp beds. Humans are also big consumers of kelp, which is used to make everyday products such as ice cream, salad dressings, beer, pet food, cosmetics, and band-aids.