CDFW photo by K. Elsmore
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in partnership with the Ocean Protection Council (OPC), is developing a statewide, adaptive, ecosystem-based Kelp Restoration and Management Plan (KRMP) for bull kelp and giant kelp. The KRMP will provide approaches for managing, protecting, and restoring kelp forests in the face of changing ocean conditions.
As part of the plan’s development, CDFW and OPC requested nominees for a KRMP Community Working Group earlier this year, seeking to openly and inclusively engage a broad suite of Tribal, stakeholder, and public perspectives. The Community Working Group is an informal advisory body established to help inform the design and development of the KRMP. It will complement a Science Advisory Committee and Tribal engagement to ensure the development of the KRMP is informed by the best available science and community perspectives.
CDFW received more than 100 Community Working Group nominations from applicants across the state. Applicants represented many key audiences, including stakeholders, California Native American tribes, and interested members of the public. After a formal review and interview process by CDFW and OPC, the following individuals were selected to serve on the Community Working Group through 2025:
| KRMP Community Group Members | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Claire Arre | Orange County Coastkeepers |
| Capt. David Bacon | WaveWalker Charters, Coastal Conservation Association – California Chapter – Board of Directors |
| Kathryn Beheshti | University of California, Santa Barbara |
| Alyssa Bellami | Bamboo Reef Dive Centers |
| Emily Burgueno | Kumeyaay Nation (Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel) |
| Doug Bush | The Cultured Abalone Farm LLC |
| Alicia Cordero | Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation |
| Grant Downie | Commercial Sea Urchin Diver |
| Gary Fleener | Hog Island Oyster Company |
| Tom Ford | The Bay Foundation |
| Jan Freiwald | Reef Check California |
| Severino Gomez | Kashia Band of Pomo Indians |
| Rietta Hohman | Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA Affiliate) and Greater Farallones Association |
| James Jungwirth | Naturespirit Herbs LLC |
| Tristin Anoush McHugh | The Nature Conservancy |
| Anna Neumann | Noyo Harbor District |
| Andrea Paz-Lacavex | University of California, Santa Cruz |
| Dave Rudie | California Sea Urchin Commission |
| Joshua Russo | Watermen’s Alliance |
| Marc Shargel | Living Sea Images |
| Javier Silva | Sherwood Valley-Noyo Pomo |
| Ron Sundberg | Trinidad Rancheria |
| Patrick Webster | Underwater photographer/videographer and marine science communicator |
First KRMP Community Working Group Meeting
CDFW and OPC convened the first Community Working Group meeting in July, 2023. Members reviewed the Working Group’s charter, received an overview presentation from CDFW and OPC about the KRMP development process, and had the opportunity to ask clarifying questions. A summary of key themes from the first meeting, along with the Community Working Group’s charter, can be found on the KRMP web page. Future meeting summaries will be posted on the web page as well.
CDFW and OPC anticipate the next meeting will be scheduled in early 2024.
If you have questions or comments, would like additional information, or would like to request direct Tribal consultation on the KRMP, please contact CDFW staff. Updates, meeting summaries, informational materials, upcoming opportunities, and events will be highlighted on the KRMP web page throughout the KRMP development process.
post by Kristen Elsmore, CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Marine Management News 