04/16/2026
Bull Kelp is Washington’s Marine Forest!🌊🌲🥳 April 16 is Bull Kelp Day! 🎉
Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) is a keystone species off our coast. Often referred to as the “redwood of the sea,” these towering underwater forests create rich, biodiverse habitats, supporting species like fish and invertebrates. Beyond creating essential habitat, bull kelp also provides valuable ecosystem services:
🌊Carbon Sequestration: Kelp absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, and can create localized reductions in ocean acidification.
🌊Shoreline Protection: It dampens wave energy, reducing coastal erosion and protecting our shorelines.
🌊Fisheries Support: Healthy kelp forests contribute to sustainable fisheries by maintaining biodiversity and supporting species populations.
🌊Cultural Heritage: Kelp is essential to the culture of Washington’s Tribes, who have maintained a lasting and reciprocal relationship with kelp since time immemorial.
Designating bull kelp as Washington’s official marine forest is a tool for awareness, education, and action. When an ecosystem or species receives an official designation, it brings public recognition and a greater sense of ownership over its protection. Here are a few ways you can support our state marine forest:
🏄♂️ Volunteer with your local Surfrider chapter to address ocean health, plastic pollution, and other local issues!
🤙 Follow for state and federal policy actions!
🦪 Support Ocean Friendly Restaurants which limit their plastic use, serve sustainable seafood, and employ other practices that help our ocean! A few in our area include
🔬Check out kelp forest monitoring programs to track health and changes over time, such as Washington Department of Natural Resource’s kelp and eelgrass conservation plan.
🤿 You can volunteer with organizations like Clallam Marine Resource Committee for kayak-based and Reef Check for SCUBA-based kelp surveys
💙 Support NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary by demanding congress protect and fund NOAA
🌎 Continue to defend climate legislation!
