The Mysterious World of Bull Kelp

Convening for Kelp!

EPaK’s mission is to convene and host kelp advocates from the Eastern Pacific region to share findings, stewardship best practices and to build the human relationships that, in turn, support our work to understand and steward kelp in all its glory. We welcome scientists, stewards, practitioners, artists, students, First Nations, tribes, science communicators, storytellers, managers, and many more.

Join the Congress

2026 Conference

January 20-21, 2026

A consortium of kelp researchers, managers, stewards, restoration practitioners, industry members, and thought leaders from across the region convened over two days in January with a goal to advance our shared kelp restoration and conservation goals.

Meeting Agendas

Agenda

Day 1 – Tuesday, January 20

Welcome to EPaK Recovery Workshop + Meeting Goals and Outcomes
Tristin Anoush McHugh, The Nature Conservancy

Kelp Forests of the Eastern Pacific; South to North

Baja California Sur, MEX – Paulina Filz, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Catalina Island, California, USA – Matt Edwards, San Diego State University
Palos Verdes, California, USA – Tom Ford, The Bay Foundation
Santa Barbara, California, USA – Kim Selkoe, Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara
Sonoma, California, USA – Rietta Hohman, Greater Farallones Association/ Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of Stewarts Point Rancheria, California, USA – Dan Swezey
North Coast, California, USA – Marco Mazza + Abbey Dias, The Last Forests Project
Mendocino, California, USA – Tristin Anoush McHugh, The Nature Conservancy
Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, California, USA - Rosa Laucci
Port Orford, Oregon, USA – Sara Hamilton, Oregon Kelp Alliance
Puget Sound, Washington, USA – Hilary Hayford, Puget Sound Restoration Fund
Samish Indian Nation, Washington, USA – Todd Woodard
Toquat Nation of Western Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN – Tom Campbell, West Coast Kelp
Bamfield, British Columbia, CAN – Jasmin Schuster, The Kelp Rescue Initiative
Kodiak, Alaska, USA – Alix Laferriere, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration + Angela Korabik, Prince William Sound Science Center

Resources, Groups and Knowledge

Tribal Marine Stewards Network – Nina Hapner, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians
Kelp Node – Tessa Rehill, Hakai
Kelp! Exhibitions- Marianna Leuschel + Josie Iselin, Above/Below
WA Kelp Project Inventory- Jeff Whitty, Northwest Straights Commission
Kelp Restoration and Management Plan – Kristen Elsmore, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Synthesis of Kelp Recovery Initiatives in California – Daniel O'Shea, University of California, Santa Barbara
Kelp Kulture – Emma Akmakdjian, University of California, Los Angeles
Sunflower Star Recovery and Research – Jono Wilson, The Nature Conservancy
Spore Dispersal and Connectivity - Lauran Liggan, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Reef Check – Jan Freiwald

Day 2 – Wednesday, January 21

Connecting Global Frameworks to Local Action | Presentations

Cyrielle Lâm, Ocean & Climate Platform
Angelo Villagomez, Center for American Progress
Aaron Eger, Kelp Forest Alliance
Cynthia Harbison, Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Interactive Sessions – Breakout discussions on Bridging Global to Local Action 

Video Content

View recordings of the 2026 Conference.

Proceedings

A tribute to the EPaK community: The very talented EPaK member, Patrick Webster (@underwaterpat), put together a video titled “Cruising the Kelpy Coast: Alaska to Baja California” that was shared at the 2026 Congress. Thank you, Patrick for your incredible work and inspiration!

Past EPaK Conferences

Get Involved

We invite you to join us in supporting Kelp! across the Eastern Pacific. Please provide your contact information using the form below to be added to next year’s EPaK list.

EPaK – Eastern Pacific Kelp Congress