Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Puget Sound kelp forests provide vital habitat to numerous marine species, fuel food webs, and are important to the lifeways of many local cultures. However, kelp forests are declining in regions of Puget Sound due to human and climatic-induced stressors. In this talk, we will explore these topics in addition to efforts to conserve and recover these forests, including the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan, a collaborative tool that provides a research and management framework for coordinated action for kelp conservation and recovery.
Featuring:
Jeff Whitty
Jeff Whitty (he/him) is an ecologist with academic training in marine science and a special interest in conservation of imperiled species.
Jeff is the Kelp Program Manager at the Northwest Straits Commission. In this position, Jeff coordinates the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan (Kelp Plan) and the Marine Resources Committees Floating Kelp Monitoring Project. Collaboration and community-based approaches are central pillars in Jeff’s work.
Brought to you by:
Salish Sea Institute, College of the Environment, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
Puget Sound kelp forests provide vital habitat to numerous marine species, fuel food webs, and are important to the lifeways of many local cultures. However, kelp forests are declining in regions of Puget Sound due to human and climatic-induced stressors. In this talk, we will explore these topics in addition to efforts to conserve and recover these forests, including the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan, a collaborative tool that provides a research and management framework for coordinated action for kelp conservation and recovery.
Featuring:
Jeff Whitty
Jeff Whitty (he/him) is an ecologist with academic training in marine science and a special interest in conservation of imperiled species.
Jeff is the Kelp Program Manager at the Northwest Straits Commission. In this position, Jeff coordinates the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan (Kelp Plan) and the Marine Resources Committees Floating Kelp Monitoring Project. Collaboration and community-based approaches are central pillars in Jeff’s work.
Brought to you by:
Salish Sea Institute, College of the Environment, The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
