Shoreline master programs: A hindrance or a help to kelp conservation in Puget Sound?

Abstract

The waters of Puget Sound are home to one of the most diverse assemblages of kelp species in the world, providing numerous ecosystem services. However, documented loss of bull kelp (Nereocystis luekeana) forests in South and Central Puget Sound and observed declines throughout Puget Sound, pose a threat to marine ecosystems dependent on kelp forests for habitat and primary production, and jeopardize economic activities reliant on kelp-based resources. Although the recently released Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan highlights the need for action, local environmental regulations may complicate implementing restoration projects and may not adequately protect kelp. We used content analysis to examine 45 local Shoreline Master Programs in jurisdictions along Puget Sound to identify kelp protection and restoration actions, then compared local kelp protection and restoration potential to the best available science of linear extent of understory and canopy kelp in each county. Our assessment revealed generally low levels of both protection of kelp and support for kelp restoration across all Shoreline Master Programs. These results may reflect a bias toward freshwater restoration stemming from watershed restoration efforts in the late 1990 s and early 2000 s. Although support for kelp restoration is largely absent from current Shoreline Master Programs, recent legislative activity has paved the way for policy changes that reflect the emerging scientific consensus that nearshore kelp habitats in Puget Sound are vital for salmon, rockfish and other important species.