Floating canopy kelps: spatial indicators, dynamics, management and protected areas (Working Group 1)


Jan 16 - Apr 9, 2024, BC-WA Kelp Node

Actions: 

  • collate and compare remote sensing mapping methods (BC & WA); guide decisions on which tools to use for which scale, which species, and what purpose 
  • share examples of remote sensing for kelp mapping in practice
  • find regional consensus on canopy kelp EOVs based on international (e.g. GOOS) standards
  • share & standardize floating canopy kelp indicators between WA and BC
  • plan & coordinate sentinel sites for strategic canopy kelp monitoring (w subtidal monitoring WG)
  • update, improve organization and access to canopy kelp data/information and metadata (3.1) including historical information sources and TEK
  • chart a framework for integrating and visualizing large-scale spatial data (e.g., remotely sensed, modeled, historical)
  • review and expand large-scale cross-boundary data to examine spatial kelp declines, recovery and stability (canopy-forming and understory) at regional and sub-regional scales
  • review analyses & compare methods to group and segment management/monitoring units for kelp habitats in WA and BC, working towards standardized methods
  • synthesize and map distribution of monitoring effort across units 
  • compare effectiveness of available protections for kelp via regulations, programs and policies in BC and WA (e.g. oil spill response)
  • increase protection by addressing key gaps across national and transboundary programs (e.g. name kelp in existing regulations, foster coordination among organizations conducting surveys
  • share how kelp habitats are being included in BC/WA marine planning initiatives (existing and new reserves, refuges, MPAs): consideration of zoning, representatives, connectivity, implementation of protections
  • plan for cohesive cross-boundary management areas/coastline extents
Please register for WG1