John,
Kelp forests are a vital part of ecosystems up and down the Pacific Coast, providing food and habitat for hundreds of species of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Healthy kelp forests also play a key role in coastal communities by protecting coastlines, supporting sustainable fisheries, and driving local economies and jobs.
But along the North Coast of California, those forests are getting wiped out. In the past five years, over 95% of the region’s kelp forests have been lost due to climate change and an epidemic of kelp-eating urchins, causing significant impacts on our ocean and everyone who depends on it.
This multifaceted crisis needs a multifaceted solution. That’s why I’ve joined with my colleagues in Congress to introduce bicameral legislation which would direct the necessary federal resources to support critical kelp forest recovery efforts, before it’s too late.
We need a strong show of support behind this bill, John. Will you add your name and tell Congress to take swift action to protect coastal ecosystems?
Climate change and human activity are wreaking havoc on ecosystems around the globe, and the dwindling kelp forests on the West Coast show just how dire this situation is.
Our legislation would establish a new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant program to support conservation and restoration efforts, focus on building long term ecological and socioeconomic resilience, and authorize an annual $5 million in funding for the next 4 years.
In addition to protecting coastlines and marine ecosystems, healthy kelp forests will greatly help the tribes, fisheries communities, and businesses in affected areas.
Swift action is needed to defend and restore these invaluable ecosystems. Will you add your name right away in support of solutions for coastal communities?
Thanks for all you do.
Jared
