Overview
Kelp forests are iconic features of the British Columbia coastline—dynamic, seasonal ecosystems that provide essential habitat, influence ocean conditions, and support coastal food webs.
Two canopy-forming species dominate these waters: giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana). They face mounting pressures from ocean warming, marine heatwaves, and disease outbreaks, making them critical indicators of ecosystem change and resilience.
The Hakai Institute Kelp Monitoring Program tracks kelp forest dynamics at focal sites on the British Columbia coast through repeated drone surveys and underwater scuba assessments. This coordinated approach provides local, high-resolution baseline data for understanding kelp forest response to climate change and other environmental stressors.
Tools Used
The program employs a two-pronged monitoring approach that captures kelp dynamics both at the surface and underwater on an annual basis:
Drone-Based Canopy Monitoring
Drone surveys using small, commercially available drones with RGB cameras are flown annually at core long-term monitoring sites
Kelp canopy detection is automated using state-of-the-art AI tools (Hakai Institute Habitat Mapper)
Subtidal Scuba Surveys
Underwater surveys documenting changes in diversity and productivity in giant kelp and bull kelp habitats and their associated communities
Assessment of kelp density, size structure, and health metrics not visible in aerial imagery
Direct observation of associated marine life and habitat complexity
Data Analysis and Visualization
R-based statistical workflows for trend detection and status assessment
Custom-built web tools providing interactive access to time-series monitoring data (KelpExplorer)
