Barkley Sound Kelp Monitoring

Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) monitoring surveys led by Redd Fish Restoration Society and conducted in collaboration with the t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ ḥaw̓ił First Nations.

Their initiative involves an annual process encompassing aerial imagery collection, hands-on density measurements, and water sampling for eDNA. These methods aim to comprehend the presence, size, and density of the region's kelp forests. This comprehensive data collection will uncover any notable trends or changes occurring over time.

While the primary focus revolves around assessing the distribution and well-being of kelp forests in Barkley Sound, this research is inherently linked to the vitality of salmon habitats. Understanding how kelp impacts salmon health and serves as crucial habitat for juveniles will be pivotal. These insights will play a pivotal role in discerning the impact on salmon populations, guiding subsequent restoration efforts.