Restoring Our Kelp Forests
Webinar Series

Dive into the hidden world of kelp forests—some of the planet’s most vital yet imperiled ecosystems. This webinar series explores the changing world of kelp, from the challenges these vibrant ecosystems face to the passionate efforts underway to bring them back. Hear stories from scientists, divers, and community groups working to restore balance among keystone species and revive these essential ocean habitats and discover how resilience, balance, and ingenuity are shaping the future of life along our coasts.

This series is brought to you by Seven Capes Bird Alliance in partnership with Friends of Otter Rock, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Oregon Kelp Alliance, and the Elakha Alliance.

Kelp Restoration: A Blueprint for a Healthy Ocean
Dr. Sara Hamilton, Oregon Kelp Alliance
Wednesday, April 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

Sara will tell the story of the Oregon Kelp Alliance (ORKA), starting with its origin in 2020. She will discuss the 2024 Kelp Forest Status Report, which for the first time documented the changes taking place in Oregon's kelp forests over the past 15 years. Learn about the ongoing Oregon Kelp Forest Stewardship Initiative and how ORKA is working to restore and preserve these vibrant ecosystems. Sara will close with a few thoughts about the future of kelp forest stewardship here in Oregon, followed by audience Q & A.

Dr. Sara Hamilton is Science Coordinator for the Oregon Kelp Alliance (ORKA), where she has worked since 2022. She came to ORKA after receiving her Ph.D. studying kelp forest ecology and conservation at Oregon State University. She was also a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California-Davis, researching patterns of hypoxia and acidification across the California Current and the implications of these patterns for shellfish. At ORKA, she led the writing of the 2024 Kelp Forest Status Report and is helping to implement the NOAA-funded Oregon Kelp Forest Stewardship Initiative. She lives in Eugene, Oregon, on the occupied lands of the Kalapuya peoples, whose descendants are often enrolled in the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. After her day job, Sara goes to her night job, where she works full time adoring her rescue dog, D. B. Cooper.

Life in the Kelp: Predators, Prey, and Ecosystem Balance
Miles Rough
Thursday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m.

Details coming soon!

Sea Otters & Kelp Forests: Restoring Oregon’s Missing Link
Chanel Hason, Elakha Alliance
Wednesday, June 3, 6-7:30 p.m.

Sea otters once thrived along the Oregon coast, playing a critical role in maintaining healthy kelp forests. Their removal during the maritime fur trade left a missing link in Oregon’s nearshore ecosystem - contributing to unchecked sea urchin populations and declining kelp habitat.

In this engaging and science-based presentation, marine biologist Chanel Hason explores how sea otters function as keystone predators, the cascading ecological benefits they bring to kelp forests and estuaries, and what restoration could mean for Oregon’s biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal resilience. Attendees will gain insight into the collaborative, tribal-led efforts underway to develop a responsible reintroduction plan by the Elakha Alliance - and how restoring this iconic species could help rebalance Oregon’s underwater forests for generations to come.

Chanel Hason is a marine biologist, environmental educator, and passionate ocean advocate serving as the Director of Outreach & Community Relations for the Elakha Alliance. With a background that includes working with sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, conducting marine research on the Great Barrier Reef, and educating communities about the wonders of the natural world, Chanel brings science to life with energy and heart. At Elakha, she leads public engagement efforts to support the restoration of sea otters to the Oregon coast - reviving an essential keystone species to help restore balance to nearshore ecosystems. Whether she’s giving a science pub talk, running a fundraiser, or tabling at community events, Chanel loves inspiring people to fall in love with sea otters and the kelp forests they call home.