The Vashon Kelp Forest Project

In the face of the massive decline of kelp in Puget Sound,
the Vashon Kelp Forest project will work to regrow this critical species.

The Vashon Kelp Forest will grow new seaweed for two purposes:

  1. Some species of kelp will be grown and harvested to be used in a range of eco-friendly products,

  2. Other species of kelp will be grown and deliberately not harvested with the aim of restoring the kelp forest around Vashon (particularly on the north end of the island).

All kelp grown for harvest or restoration will be native species specific to the Puget Sound and Colvos Passage.

Proposed location in Colvos Passage

The site was selected based on a range of key criteria

  • Area that is acceptable to local Tribes

  • Area that is outside of navigation lanes

  • Offshore location to minimize “visual pollution”

  • Water with sufficient nutrients

  • Area that is 50 – 100 feet deep and fairly flat

  • Area without any eelgrass

  • Area without any underwater cables

  • Substrate that allows for removable helical anchors (highly secure and minimal impact)

  • Water quality that allows seaweed to be used for food products

  • Adequate water flow through the kelp forest

  • Minimize overlap with native aquatic vegetation

  • Avoids marine mammal feeding areas, migration corridors and known herring spawn location

The Vashon Kelp Forest will NOT have:

  • Cages or nets

  • Fertilizer

  • Feed

  • Anything removed from the site to establish the kelp forest

  • Anything permanent added to seafloor (no concrete anchors)

  • Anything semi-permanently anchored to the site (i.e. no processing equipment, no work boats)

  • Meaningful effect on seafloor

  • Harvesting of fish

  • Non-native species of kelp

  • Overcrowding or overpopulating which can overwhelm local animal and/or kelp species

  • Activity or equipment on shore (no noise)

  • Restriction of the Colvos Passage to boats, kayaks, and other recreational uses