FORESTS OF THE SEA
A global alliance to protect and preserve kelp forests around the world through science, media advocacy, and policy
THE MISSION
Kelp forests cover over 28% of the world’s coastline, and are found fringing every continent except Antarctica. Culturally, kelp forests have played a significant role in the landscape of our ancient ancestors. The Southern African coast, swathed in a rich kelp forest ecosystem is considered the birth of human consciousness as we know it.
As humans migrated around the world, evidence suggests that it was a ‘highway’ of kelp along the Pacific Rim that eased our passage from Asia into the Americas. Kelp forests are not only an influential ecosystem for humanity, but can also be seen as guardians of the sea, sky and land,
purifying surrounding water, regulating pH, sequestering carbon, releasing oxygen, and slowing coastal erosion. This makes them one of the most critical ecosystems for maintaining a stable climate.
Kelp forests are also a home to thousands of species. This species’ complexity and diversity makes the ecosystem more resilient, supporting the ‘immune system’ of the planet. Yet, these forests of the sea are declining under anthropogenic forces two times faster than coral reefs and four times faster than tropical rainforests. They are understudied, undervalued and underappreciated.
“The forests of kelp gracing cool temperate and polar seas are as vital to planetary health, climate stability and biodiversity protection as rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs, and they are equally at risk – but are less well known.
The need for attention and care is therefore especially urgent. The Forests of the Sea initiative could not be more timely, nor more important.”
Dr Sylvia Earle —
President of Mission Blue, National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence and Forests of the Sea Chief Scientist
THE APPROACH
The vision for the Forests of the Sea initiative will draw attention to the importance of kelp forests for biodiversity and humanity by bringing together world class environmentalists, scientists, and media producers.
Our scope will be global and our impact will be lasting by way of scientific research, iconic media products, and tangible conservation and policy outcomes that will be the result of international alliances.
“My earliest, deepest and most powerful memories are of diving in the forests of the sea. They are one of the greatest ecosystems on this planet, and we simply can’t do enough to show the world how precious they are.”
Craig Foster —
Sea Change Project co-founder, Oscar winner and co-author of Underwater Wild