What: Restore 43,056 sq ft of kelp within two separate project sites along the South Bondi subtidal rocky reef.

Why: Beginning in the early 1980s, the Sydney kelp population suffered an abrupt decline, eventually going locally extinct.
Kelp forests are among the most important ecosystems on the planet, providing critical food and habitat for hundreds of species. These vast underwater forests in Australia support coastal food webs, sequester immense amounts of atmospheric carbon, produce oxygen for marine life, and support unique coastal biodiversity, which is not supported by any other seaweed species.

Who: Operation Crayweed, the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences (SIMS) and SeaTrees.

What: Plant 80,000 mangrove trees across 25 acres of mangrove habitat in collaboration with a group of women from the local area who have witnessed the degredation of this critical habitat first hand called the “Mujeres de El Dátil."

Why: Laguna San Ignacio is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s last undeveloped California gray whale breeding lagoon. Mangroves play a significant role in the region’s local economy, provide nursery and feeding grounds for commercially important fisheries and other wildlife, and buffer coastal communities against storm surges and sea level rise.

Who: WILDCOAST and the Mujeres de El Dátil and SeaTrees.

What: Holistically restore seagrass and macroalgae at three sites, that cover an area of 53,820 sq ft in total. 

Why: In recent decades, seaweed forests have experienced significant declines and are under serious threat from human activities. Seagrass covers approximately 177,000 km2 worldwide, but between 7% and 19% of its current surface has been lost. In the Mediterranean alone, an estimated 446 km2 Regenerated underwater forests create new habitats that support the growth of other plant and animal species, contributing to the restoration of biodiversity and promoting productivity that benefits society.

Who: The Cleanwave Foundation, local authorities, and SeaTrees.

What: Restoring 15,000 sq ft of salt marsh in the West Basin This project is one of the most extensive wetland restorations in California. 

Why: Restoration work is crucial to eliminate and manage invasive plant species and reintroduce native species to the lagoon. Tidal circulation and salt flats preservation are crucial habitats for various animal species; but modern infrastructure had nearly halted this natural process. However, restoration initiatives have enabled tidal flow to reach farther and penetrate deeper into San Elijo Lagoon, rejuvenating its ecological functions.

Who: Local San Diego non-profit, Nature Collective, and SeaTrees.

What: Regenerate 10,000 sq ft of critical coastal watershed, known in the Hawaiian language as an Ahupua’a.

Why: Two Mokus (or districts) within the Ahupua’a coastal watershed systems have faced decades of mismanagement. In Maliko Gulch, the valley within the gulch has served as a dumping ground for the past 100 years. Removing trash and invasive species, and growing native plant species is the focus. This project will provide jobs to the local community, produce 40,000+ lbs of food for the local community, protect critical habitat in the watershed and offshore coral reefs and finally, protect vulnerable species.

Who: Regenerative Education Centers (REC) and SeaTrees.

What: Restore 129,167 sq ft of degraded dune systems within Big Pine Key at Camp Sawyer & Big Munson Island.

Why: South Florida is home to a diverse array of coastal ecosystems, all of which have been negatively affected by coastal development and storms. By restoring coastal dunes, we're able to provide habitat for countless species, beautify cities and parks, increase storm protection, prevent coastal erosion, and increase carbon sequestration. This project is also an educational opportunity for Scouts to learn about conservation, get hands-on experience and play an active role in caring for our environment.

Who: Coastlove, Scouts of America, and SeaTrees.