Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems dominated by large, fast-growing seaweeds known as kelp. Covering a third of the world’s temperate coastlines, kelp forests are highly productive, providing habitat for hundreds of biodiverse species whilst supporting millions of people as a source of food, medicine and income. As a macroalgae that typically dominates the bed of rocky marine environments, Kelp species have additionally been identified as key blue carbon sinks that can significantly combat climate change.

Yet kelp forests are disappearing due to ocean warming, overharvesting, invasive species and pollution. Additionally, kelp forest restoration to date is considerably expensive and has limited success addressing the increasing scale of ecosystem deterioration.