Service area: North American Pacific Coast
About us: Kelp forests form the foundation of California’s coastal marine ecology and are crucial climate regulators. But the ocean forests along California’s North Coast have declined by as much as 95 percent since 2014, due to a convergence of natural factors and human impact on the oceans. Globally, kelp forests are disappearing faster than rainforests and are as critical for biodiversity and climate mitigation. Despite the fact that they make up less than 1 percent of the plant biomass found on land, kelp forests can sequester almost as much carbon as terrestrial forests, possibly more.
While there are many scientists and ocean advocates actively engaged in researching and restoring the endangered kelp forests, there is a need to build public awareness to support these efforts and grow a culture of ocean stewardship. This is the primary mission of the Above/Below campaign.
Through the implementation of a range of campaign initiatives, we will create a comprehensive story of the kelp forests in northern California and along the North Pacific Coast up to Oregon, Washington, Alaska and British Columbia. We believe that by combining art and science through creative storytelling and strategies, we can educate and engage a broad audience about the importance of these critical ocean forest ecosystems, and inspire action to contribute to their protection and restoration worldwide.
Participants include: THE SCIENTISTS: Rietta Hohman, Tristin McHugh, Kathy Ann Miller, PhD; Dr. Karina Nielsen, Shiela Semans; THE ARTISTS: Natasha Benjamin, Ana Blanco, Tiffany Bozic, Tess Felix, Maria Finn, Suzanne Frazier, Ann Holsberry, Josie Iselin, Isabella Kirkland, Ellen Litwiller, Lina Jane Prairie, Mimi Robinson, Laurie Sawyer; and our PROJECT ADVISORS: Abbey Banks, Kristin Coates, Alexandra Hammond.