Kelp forests are critically important coastal ecosystems in temperate regions, that provide important ecosystem services by cycling nutrients and carbon, supporting biodiversity and fisheries production. Yet, kelp forests are diminishing rapidly in many areas around the world, including the Pacific Northwest, due to complex stressors (climate change and trophic cascades), prompting increasing restoration efforts.
The Kelp Rescue Initiative (KRI) is a small non-profit in its fourth year of advancing kelp restoration science to restore resilient kelp forests in British Columbia, Canada. Our current campaign – Virtual Kelp Journeys for Coastal Sustainability – uses immersive 360-degree video and virtual reality technology to bring the wonder of kelp forest ecosystems above the surface.