February 8 Science Pub Features Oregon Kelp Alliance: Learn about efforts to restore our underwater kelp forests at Pelican Brewing, Pacific City

PACIFIC CITY, Ore. – Audubon Society of Lincoln City and the Oregon Kelp Alliance will host a Science at the Pub presentation:

Working for Healthy Kelp Forests in Oregon

Wednesday, February 8, 6 p.m.

Pelican Brewing Company

33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City, Oregon

 

Oregon’s kelp forests are vital habitat for an amazing variety of marine species that sustain life and livelihoods on the Oregon coast. Productive kelp forests support our local fisheries by providing food and shelter for marine life and protect our coastlines from coastal erosion by buffering wave action. Those lucky enough to dive in a healthy kelp forest experience unparalleled biodiversity and a unique beauty. But around the world, kelp forests are declining at an alarming rate due to climate change and resulting ecological imbalance. Their loss is detrimental to ocean health and coastal communities. Groups like the Oregon Kelp Alliance (ORKA) are working to address this crisis.

 

A diverse group of divers, scientists, natural resource managers, fishermen, ecotour guides, chefs, and others have joined to form the Oregon Kelp Alliance with the mission to better understand, preserve, and restore Oregon’s kelp forests. Efforts include kelp forest restoration at multiple sites, including here at Chief Kiwanda Rock and nearby Cape Lookout. ORKA is piloting sea urchin/dulse (seaweed) mariculture and is launching a coastwide status report and restoration plan for Oregon. ORKA co-founder Tom Calvanese will present on the ecology of kelp, efforts to restore healthy kelp forests, and how you can be involved in this important work.

Speaker Tom Calvanese, photo by Oregon Public Broadcasting[/caption
This event is co-hosted by the Audubon Society of Lincoln City (ASLC) and the Oregon Kelp Alliance (ORKA). The event is free and open to the public. Beverages and food will be available for purchase at Pelican Brewing Company.

Audubon Society of Lincoln City was founded as a chapter of the National Audubon Society in 2005. A nonprofit membership organization, ASLC is active in education and advocacy for protection of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties.

Learn more at https://www.lincolncityaudubon.org/

Oregon Kelp Alliance is a diverse coalition of stakeholders working to support healthy kelp forests off the Oregon Coast through education, research, and direct action.

Learn more at https://www.oregonkelp.com/