Sanctuaries report shows kelp losses and large restoration investments

Kevin Grant told the council that kelp forest research and restoration remains a major operational focus across West Coast sanctuaries and that some sites have seen renewed urchin growth and rapid kelp decline early in 2026 after earlier culling efforts.

“...early in 2026 the data is showing a resurgence in both urchins and a rapid decline in kelp,” Grant said, describing monitoring at a former culling site. He warned that small-scale studies are still analyzing collateral impacts and that the magnitude of damage remains undetermined.

Grant also described a large, multi‑partner effort in Greater Farallones testing restoration approaches and outplanting methods. “We’ve got a massive multi partner effort underway, backed by over $9,000,000 in investments,” he said, noting active outplanting and urchin removal at five Sonoma County locations.

Council members and advisory bodies emphasized the need for continued monitoring and for integrating habitat outcomes with council fishery-management objectives. No regulatory changes were announced; ONMS staff said further reporting will follow as analyses continue.