Puget Sound Estuarium offers lectures on restoring kelp forests

The Puget Sound Estuarium invites you to join its Discovery Speaker Series, a virtual platform bringing together scientists, educators, artists, and Earth advocates to delve into current environmental research and sustainability projects.

Discovery Speaker Series Event

The upcoming session, scheduled for Thursday, December 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., will explore the vital topic of restoring kelp forests in Puget Sound.

Kelp forests, renowned for their productivity, provide sustenance and refuge for diverse species while playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change impacts.

According to the estuarium’s press release, the last five decades have witnessed an 80% loss of bull kelp in South Puget Sound, signaling a concerning trend in the region.

The featured speakers for the event include Jodie Toft, Deputy Director, and Aurora Oceguera, Habitat Lab Technician from the Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF), who will shed light on ongoing kelp restoration efforts and discuss innovative approaches, including seed banking, aimed at rebuilding the essential habitat that kelp forests offer.

Additionally, Zachary Randell, Research Scientist at the Seattle Aquarium, will share insights into the Aquarium's study of kelp forests in Elliott Bay.

Randell will showcase the use of remotely operated vehicles and artificial intelligence in monitoring these underwater ecosystems, providing a glimpse into the advanced technologies employed to understand and conserve kelp forests.

This event allows participants to engage with experts actively working towards preserving Puget Sound's marine environment.

Attendees will have the chance to pose questions and gain a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges faced by kelp forests.

Community members may register for the Zoom webinar using this link to participate in the session.

For further details on kelp restoration efforts, visit the Puget Sound Restoration Fund's website.

For additional information about the event, visit the Puget Sound Estuarium's event page.