What did you accomplish with your host organization? What was the impact of your work?

This summer I was fortunate enough to work with the Giant Giant Kelp Restoration Project (G2KR) and Oceana, on kelp restoration and sustainable fisheries.

At G2KR it was a very eventful summer working with agencies, recreational divers, and other stakeholders to pursue a scientific collection permit (SCP) to expand the kelp restoration project to more sites on the Monterey Peninsula. Throughout the summer we drafted an SCP application and distributed it to other interested groups.

At Oceana, I did similar work which included drafting an Experimental Fishing Permit (EFP) application to expand the testing and implementation of pop-up fishing gear off the coast of California. I presented our approach in the EFP application to many different groups that included stakeholders from fishers, gear manufacturers, agencies, and many others.

Describe the benefits of this experience for you professionally and personally?

It was actually really interesting working within two separate ocean sectors but doing similar work. This demonstrated the power and necessity of collaboration, as well as the creativity involved in bringing new, innovative gear or techniques into the marine conservation space. I was able to meet with and present to an amazing number of folks in California – my network expanded greatly!

Did your experience provide any unexpected discovery, self-reflection, or epiphany?

There were quite a few unexpected roadblocks and discoveries throughout the summer. While I cannot elaborate on the specifics, I will note that they also highlighted the importance of effective team work and flexibility while working in this space.

I am so grateful for both opportunities and the MIIS CBE Fellowship.

Hello everyone! This summer I’ll be continuing to work with the Giant Giant Kelp Restoration Project (G2KR), which was recently incorporated within the California Kelp Restoration Corps. We are a volunteer run, kelp restoration non-profit that aims to engage with Monterey’s passionate dive community and conduct active restoration. Over the past year, our organization has grown exponentially and our work is getting more complex. We now coordinate the efforts of over 100 certified Kelp Forest Restoration Speciality divers and engage with over 600 interested folks. We have our sights set on (hopefully) expanding our project to include more restoration sites around the Monterey Peninsula.

California Kelp Restoration Corps/Giant Giant Kelp Restoration Project
June 1-September 3, 2022
Monterey, California, USA

The California Kelp Restoration Corps (CKRC) is a 501(c)3 organization in Monterey, California with the mission to protect and actively restore California’s kelp. It was incorporated in February 2022 and oversees the implementation of the Giant Giant Kelp Restoration Project at Tankers Reef (G2KR). G2KR is a citizen-science kelp restoration project in Monterey, that has been permitted to cull urchins on a two-acre project area and document the regrowth of kelp.