Left: Juvenile giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). Right: Reproductive portions of bull kelp blades (Nereocystis luetkeana). CDFW photos by K. Elsmore
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with the California Ocean Protection Council, is developing a statewide, ecosystem-based, adaptive Kelp Restoration and Management Plan (KRMP) for giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, and bull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana. The KRMP will include a cohesive kelp management strategy (PDF)(opens in new tab) which consists of three core components: 1) a harvest management framework and other Fishery Management Plan (FMP) elements required by the Marine Life Management Act (MLMA), 2) an innovative framework for ecosystem-based management (EBM) of kelp forests and 3) a Restoration Toolkit. The integration of EBM approaches and a Restoration Toolkit into the traditional FMP framework will facilitate a robust, adaptive, climate-ready approach to managing the State’s kelp forest ecosystems in the face of changing ocean conditions. The KRMP development process is anticipated to occur over the course of three to five years. More details and information will be made available on this website and on the California Fish and Game Commission’s website(opens in new tab).