Kelp forest background

ReKelp

Sea the Change.

A student-led initiative restoring kelp forests worldwide.

Explore the Map Our Solution Get Involved

Why Kelp Forests Matter

The vital role of kelp forests and why they're disappearing

Healthy kelp forest

The Underwater Rainforests

Kelp forests are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, growing up to 2 feet per day while supporting life and stabilizing our climate. These underwater forests:

  • Support and protect over 1,000 marine species including fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals
  • Helps in the sequestration of 20x more CO₂ than forests growing on land, aiding in fighting climate change
  • Protects coastlines by acting as a natural buffer against waves and storms, reducing wave energy that causes erosion
  • Provide critical habitat for fisheries, sustaining local economies and Indigenous food systems

The Crisis We Face

In the past 50 years, over 40% of the world’s kelp forests have been lost, with some regions, like Northern California, seeing 95% declines. British Columbia’s coasts are also at risk due to:

  • Rising ocean temperatures from climate change, increasing susceptibility to disease and environmental stressors.
  • Overgrazing by sea urchins due to declining predator populations, overall linked to climate change
  • Pollution from agricultural runoff and increasing frequency of marine heatwaves that devastate kelp growth
  • A blue carbon feedback loop: as kelp forests decline, their ability to absorb CO₂ weakens, accelerating climate change, further harming kelp.
Damaged kelp forest

How You Can Help

Simple daily actions that help protect and restore our kelp forests

Shop Sustainably

  • Choose sustainable seafood (e.g. MSC certification)
  • Reduce plastic use - carry reusable bags and waterbottles
  • Support brands that use environmental-friendly packaging

Daily Habits

  • Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent chemical runoff
  • Conserve water to avoid wastewater pollution
  • Properly dispose of fishing lines and nets

Spread Awareness

  • Educate others about kelp forest importance
  • Participate in local beach cleanups
  • Support local sustainable businesses

Small Changes Make Big Waves

Kelp forests are currently facing multiple threats including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Although these challenges can be overwhelming to tackle, the steps that are taken collectively by us can bring about significant change. Every decision towards sustainability contributes to the alleviation of pressure on these vital ecosystems.

Learn More Ways to Help

Our Story

Kelp forest

90%

of kelp forests lost in majority regions

From Student Project to Global Solution

ReKelp was founded in 2024 by high school student Peter Cui after conducting research on kelp forest decline for the Harvard International Review (link to article). Through this work, he uncovered the devastating impacts of kelp loss not only on global ecosystems, but also on local fisheries, coastal economies, and the communities that depend on them. What began as a student passion project focused on spreading awareness has since evolved into an initiative of finding innovative solutions to restore our underwater forests.

The Problem

Kelp forests are disappearing at alarming rates due to climate change, pollution, and overgrazing. These underwater forests are critical for marine biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and coastal protection.

Our Vision

We believe in scalable, low-cost solutions that communities worldwide can implement. By open-sourcing our designs and training the next generation of ocean stewards, we're creating a global network of kelp restoration.

Global Kelp Forest Changes

Visualizing kelp canopy changes from 1984 to present

Legend

Declining
Stable
Recovering

Key Findings (California)

—

Change vs. 1984 (selected quarter)

—

Latest kelp area (m²)

—

Peak year & area (m², “max”)

1984 2025

Donate

Support Kelp Forest Alliance, a global nonprofit leading kelp restoration effort. Your donation funds large-scale restoration projects, scientific research, and community engagement programs worldwide.

Give Today

Stay Updated

Why Kelp Matters

20x

More productive than land forests

1,000+

Marine species depend on kelp

30%

Of coastal carbon stored in kelp

$500B

Annual ecosystem value globally