Kelp beds were once abundant in the waters of the Salish Sea. Despite many reasons why the number of kelp beds has dropped, we want to understand if it can still grow if given a fighting chance. The Granville Island Sea Village and ORA are working together to put this hypothesis to the test. With the help from members of the community, and while practicing social distancing, approximately 35 meters of line was seeded in between the floating homes of the sea village in False Creek. 

There can be several environmental benefits associated with growing kelp in False Creek, such as acidification reduction, creating habitat for salmon fry and herring to spawn, and absorbing carbon dioxide from the water. Kelp absorbs up to 10 times as much carbon than trees, and situated so close to the city could mean that a kelp bed in false creek will yield positive effects on the water quality. It was an exciting day for everyone involved. The weather cooperated, and Jen brought the coffee!