Floating Kelp Kayak-Based Monitoring
OVERVIEW
Declines in and disappearance of bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), one of two species of floating (aka canopy-forming) kelp in Washington, has been observed in Central and Southern Puget Sound (WA Floating Kelp Indicator). The cause of the declines likely includes multiple factors, including but limited to increases in water temperatures, decreases in light/water clarity, and benthic sedimentation, (Hollarsmith et al. 2021; Weigel et al. 2023; Raymond et al. 2024). There is limited information on kelp abundance and changes over time in the Northwest Straits region.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
The Northwest Straits Commission is coordinating kayak-based bull kelp surveys, lead by Marine Resources Committees (MRC), using a survey protocol developed in 2014. Piloted in 2015, this program is now being conducted in six counties, where MRC volunteers survey floating kelp beds one to four times a year between June and September. You can learn more at the NWSI StoryMap!
As the dataset becomes more robust, it will serve to improve our understanding of kelp trends in the Northwest Straits region. Data from each survey is available at Sound IQ and used by MRCs and partners to further WA kelp conservation and recovery.
Our science advisory committee and partners, including the WA Department of Natural Resources, are instrumental in the success of this project.
-
Kelp Project Fact Sheet
Fact sheet about the work of the Northwest Straits Commission on kelp in Puget Sound.
View the Project Details »
-
Mapping bull kelp forest canopies with aerial imagery
A collaborative project between WA State Department of Natural Resources and the Northwest Straits Commission
View the Project Details »
-
Kelp Story Map
A Story Map describing volunteer kayak-based surveys of floating kelp beds in the Northwest Straits Region
View the Project Details »
-
Kelp Survey - Video
A short video from the Northwest Straits Foundation, produced by Transect Films, on the citizen-science kelp survey project.
View the Project Details »
Additional Resources
Kayaker Resources
- Floating Kelp Indicator
- PISCO Invertebrate and Algae Sampling Methods
- WA DNR data synthesis and recommendations for kelp kayak monitoring program
- Kayak paddling video
- Safety checklist
- Kayak safety video
- Washington Nearshore Marine Vegetation Atlas
Other WA Kelp Monitoring