Sponsored by Assemblymember Diane Papan and in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Ocean Protection Council and California Sea Grant, this expert briefing will provide a legislative update on California’s kelp forest recovery efforts by outlining recent and future state actions and investments, as well as showcasing statefunded research projects to highlight science advancements and needs for accelerating kelp restoration.

Featured speakers include:
Michael Esgro, Senior Biodiversity Manager & Tribal Liaison, California Ocean Protection Council
Dr. Kristen Elsmore, Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist), California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Dr. Shauna Oh, Director, California Sea Grant
Rosa Laucci, Marine Program Manager, Tolowa Deeni’ Nation
Tristin Anoush McHugh, Kelp Project Director, The Nature Conservancy
Dr. Jenn Caselle, Research Biologist, University of California, Santa Barbara

The deterioration of California’s kelp forests from 20142019 has mobilized both science and management communities to advance a ‘learn by doing’ approach for research, restoration and future recovery of this critical ecosystem. Early and innovative science investments have been invaluable to informing the development of ecosystembased management strategies and statewide initiatives, such as the current development of a Kelp Restoration and Management Plan.