Restoration Objective:
This project aimed to restore historical giant kelp forests (Macrocystis pyrifera), educate students and the general public about the importance of healthy kelp forests and monitor reef restoration.
Site Selection Criteria:
Restored sites historically hosted forests of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). Restoration sites were chosen that had significant low lying rocky substrata suitable for kelp growth. All contained areas of sand as well.
Cause Of Decline:
In high numbers, sea urchins can overgraze seaweed communities. On reefs with high densities of sea urchins, the structure of the algal community is damaged, and the abundance and diversity of invertebrates is reduced.
