Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 5 hrs ago
First Nation-led project replants kelp forests in British Columbia
In Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is working with two organizations to restore kelp forests.
The project began in early 2026 and grows young bull kelp and giant kelp in a nursery, away from grazers such as sea urchins.
Teams then transplant the kelp to sites around the sound.
So far, they have replanted 4,200 square meters, an area about the size of 10 basketball courts.
Kelp provides habitat, but the project team wants to measure the benefits of restoring it.
Tla-o-qui-aht traditional knowledge has helped identify planting locations, and the work reflects a goal of restoring balance in the territory.
The project remains a small test of whether this approach can help bring back kelp forests and their relationship with people and the coast.
A partnership led by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is replanting kelp forests in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia.
The initiative grows young bull kelp and giant kelp in a nursery before transplanting them to sites around the sound.
The project began in early 2026 and has replanted 4,200 square meters so far.
Traditional knowledge preserved in Tla-o-qui-aht oral history has helped identify planting locations.
The project is also intended to measure the benefits of kelp restoration.
- Who
- The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Redd Fish Restoration Society and West Coast Kelp are involved.
- What
- The partnership is growing and transplanting kelp to help rebuild degraded forests.
- When
- The initiative launched in early 2026.
- Where
- Clayoquot Sound, in British Columbia, Canada.
- Why
- To help restore kelp forests and determine their benefits.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We know that kelp creates habitat, but we don’t have numbers to associate with that, and we want to be able to determine the actual benefit.
My ancestors had a system of reciprocity where they knew not to take too much, and we were always giving back.
The partnership launched the kelp restoration initiative.
A nursery was established to grow young bull kelp and giant kelp beyond the reach of grazers.
Sections of kelp have been transplanted around Clayoquot Sound, covering 4,200 square meters.
- Partners
- Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Redd Fish Restoration Society and West Coast Kelp
- Location
- Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia
- Launch
- Early 2026
- Kelp species
- Bull kelp and giant kelp
- Area replanted so far
- 4,200 square meters (45,208 square feet)
Sources
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