Kelp Bed Restoration Techniques: Insights into Kelp Biology and Ecology

The kelp beds of southern California are an important and valuable resource. During the past century they have declined at an alarming rate. Scientists have intensively studied kelp biology and ecology, but have been unable to turn the tide of the decline. As kelp-bed areas have declined, demand for kelp has remained high. Harvests have declined since 1980, but not so nearly dramatically as the kelp-bed areas. As a consequence, kelp harvesting intensity has been at its highest over the past decade.