Puget Sound Vital Sign Indicator Development: Understory Kelp Abundance and Condition

Led by Jan Freiwald, Reef Check and Zachary Randell, Seattle Aquarium 

Puget Sound kelp forests are changing, but current reporting only tracks kelp visible at the surface, which misses most of the important species growing below. Reef Check and the Seattle Aquarium will develop a new indicator to measure the abundance and condition of understory kelp species using diver surveys and underwater imagery. This tool will help managers better understand ecosystem changes, identify priority areas for protection and restoration, and make more informed decisions to support kelp recovery across the region.