Bull Kelp as Washington’s Official Marine Forest: A Symbolic Step Toward Conservation

Washington State is known for its breathtaking coastal ecosystems - Douglas fir and hemlock-lined shorelines, rocky intertidal zones adorned with brightly colored sea stars, adorable sea otters, and the iconic undulating leaves of bull kelp.

Why Bull Kelp Matters

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 from rockfish and sea otters to crabs and invertebrates. Kelp acts as both a nursery and a hunting ground, offering shelter for juvenile fish and other marine creatures.

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 (one of the biggest threats to our coastal ecosystems in Washington)
• 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. Growing kelp near shellfish farms benefits both the shellfish and non-commercial species.
• Cultural Heritage: Last but certainly not least, kelp is essential to the culture of Washington’s Tribes, who have maintained a lasting and reciprocal relationship with kelp for thousands of years.

Unfortunately, climate change, warming waters, pollution, and overgrazing by unchecked populations of sea urchins threaten Washington’s kelp forests. Over the past few decades, kelp populations have declined drastically in some areas, making conservation efforts all the more urgent.

We’re working with partners in an effort led by the Seattle Aquarium to designate bull kelp as Washington’s official state marine forest. This effort is more than just a symbolic gesture - it’s a call to recognize the crucial role kelp plays in our marine environment and the urgent need to protect these epic underwater forests.

The Power of Official Designations

Designating bull kelp as Washington’s official marine forest isn’t just a title—it’s 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.

Consider other official state symbols—such as the orca (our state marine mammal) or the steelhead trout (our state fish). These designations help drive public engagement, policymaking, and funding toward conservation efforts. They also enhance educational opportunities, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of these fellow beings and the myriad benefits they provide us all.

By recognizing bull kelp at the state level, Washington can:

• Encourage Legislative Support: Greater recognition can lead to increased funding and policy initiatives focused on kelp restoration and conservation.
• Boost Public Awareness: People are more likely to care about and advocate for something when it has official status.
• Strengthen Research & Collaboration: Official designation can foster partnerships between scientists, conservationists, and local communities to restore kelp forests.

Success Stories and Bright Spots

I love to nerd out on human behavior and psychology, and how something as abstract as a symbol can translate into real life impacts. A great example of this can be seen in the story of the St. Lucia Parrot. This brightly colored bird was severely threatened by deforestation, hunting, and the pet trade. Conservationists predicted it would be extinct by the early 2000’s. There was little local support to protect this endemic parrot until a marketing campaign worked to change the hearts and minds of St. Lucians, transforming this rare and obscure parrot into a national symbol of pride. Today, the population of St. Lucia Parrots has grown from 150 to 1500, a true conservation success story. A similar effort is underway in Hawaii, where a high school student is working to get nine species of native land snails, or kāhuli, listed as the first official state gastropod.

Driving Conservation Through Awareness

While official recognition is a powerful step, it must be accompanied by tangible action. Supporting bull kelp means backing conservation initiatives. So what can you do? Well first, you can support this bill by keeping an eye out on social media, signing up for our newsletter, and taking action by signing in pro and messaging yoru electeds. Beyond that, you can:

• Kelp forest monitoring programs to track health and changes over time, such as Washington Dept. of Natural Resource’s kelp and eelgrass conservation plan, one of our 2022 campaign victories.
• For you SCUBA divers out there, you can volunteer with organizations like Reef Check to conduct kelp surveys
• Support the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary’s work through the Ocean Acidification Sentinel Site (OASeS) - read more about this work here - by demanding congress protect and fund NOAA
• Continue to defend climate legislation, such as last year’s victory in protecting Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.

Washington’s marine forests are as critical as its towering Douglas firs and sprawling prairies. By granting bull kelp the recognition it deserves, we can ensure these underwater ecosystems remain a thriving part of our coastal environment for generations to come.

Now is the time to take action—support the designation of bull kelp as Washington’s official marine forest and help safeguard our waters, wildlife, and future.