The BC Kelp Mapping Analytical Working Group brings together a team of researchers and analysts to provide knowledge, carry out analyses, and deliver data on the distribution, productivity and health of canopy-forming kelps in British Columbia (BC). This important foundation species has been identified as a focal point for the implementation of the Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP)’s EBM Monitoring Program.
The objectives of this Working Group are driven by MaPP’s Regional Kelp Monitoring Program, and stem from the April 2019 Regional Kelp Workshop (Richmond, BC). The Working Group brings together a group of technical experts from the following core collaborating initiatives: the Hakai Institute, the University of Victoria’s Remote Sensing Lab, DFO, Parks Canada and the Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP).
The specific goal of structured meetings in Fall 2019 is to advance a number of common goals related to quantifying kelp distribution, biomass and productivity on the North Pacific Coast in order to inform regional kelp management and monitoring.
