Bull Kelp Monitoring

Bull kelp provides a protective habitat for a number of species in the Puget Sound. Working in partnership with the Northwest Straits Commission, the Whatcom MRC monitor bull kelp size and density to provide valuable information on the status of bull kelp along the Whatcom County shoreline. 

Northwest Straits Initiative - Surveying Kelp from Transect Films on Vimeo.

The MRC monitors bull kelp canopies by kayak during low-tide events between July-September and incorporates that data into Sound IQ.  The goal of this project is to contribute to an evaluation of long-term trends of kelp density and support environmental decision-making that could influence and decline kelp abundance.

In 2018, the Whatcom MRC completed kelp surveys at Alden Bank, the Aiston Preserve, Cherry Pt./Gulf Rd, and SW Lummi Island. The maps below show the survey results from Cherry Point (left) and SW Lummi Island (right).