Kelp Monitoring – Snorkel survey
Bull kelp are large brown algae that emerge each spring, growing up to 40 meters and creating vibrant underwater forests. Much like terrestrial forests, kelp forests provide a range of vital benefits to fish, marine invertebrates, birds, and other wildlife by offering structure, food, and shelter. They are also important cultural species long valued by indigenous cultures and helpful to all of us. Yet, in Puget Sound, especially south and central Puget Sound where Vashon is located, kelp forest are declining precipitously.
Join us to monitor the natural kelp beds around the island to help us better understand and track their health. For this snorkel survey, we will swim transects through the kelp bed documenting what’s living within the underwater forest. We will also have a kayak survey the day before that you can sign up for.