Blue Forest Project is a student-led ocean restoration initiative based in San Diego. We are focused on helping restore and protect local kelp forests. Our mission is to support the recovery of these critical marine ecosystems by growing juvenile kelp, monitoring kelp forests, and working alongside scientists and restoration organizations to rebuild underwater habitats.

Kelp forests are one of the most important ecosystems in the ocean, supporting thousands of marine species, improving water quality, protecting the coastline, and absorbing large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. However, many kelp forests in California are rapidly declining due to warming waters and sea urchin overpopulation. Blue Forest Project was created to take action locally and help support real kelp recovery efforts.

Our project focuses on using the green gravel method, a restoration technique where juvenile kelp is grown on small rocks in controlled tank environments before being placed into the ocean to grow into full kelp forests. As we begin building our first kelp cultivation systems, our goal is to grow healthy juvenile kelp and provide it to professional restoration groups and marine scientists who are already conducting permitted kelp planting projects.

At the same time, we are actively working to build partnerships with researchers, nonprofits, and restoration teams so that in the future we can participate more directly in restoration and monitoring efforts. By combining student leadership, science-based methods, and community support, Blue Forest Project aims to contribute to the recovery of kelp ecosystems while inspiring the next generation to protect our oceans