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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in partnership with the Ocean Protection Council (OPC), is in the early planning stages of developing a statewide, ecosystem-based, adaptive Kelp Restoration and Management Program (KRMP) for giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana). The KRMP development process is anticipated to occur over the course of three to five years. To successfully develop the KRMP and ensure it reflects the best available science and community perspectives, CDFW and OPC will collaborate with the ocean community through the development of a community working group and are seeking nominees for the KRMP Community Working Group. This informal advisory body provides Tribes, stakeholders, and interested members of the public with the opportunity to:

• Advise on and inform the development of the KRMP, including providing feedback on KRMP drafts and sharing community perspectives, priorities, and concerns to be considered in the KRMP.
• Share information about the KRMP and its progress with communities, including helping to identify communications channels, strategies, target audiences, known barriers, etc.

Nominations are sought to represent the following sectors:

• California Tribes (e.g., leadership or designated staff, federally and non-federally recognized, traditional and cultural practitioners)
• Commercial harvesters (e.g., kelp harvesters, urchin fishermen)
• Local businesses (e.g., tourism, dive shops, tackle shops, restaurants, etc.)
• Recreational users (e.g., fishermen, divers, underwater photographers)
• Non-governmental organizations (e.g., fishing, environmental)
• Academic and research institutions
• State and federal partners (e.g., National Marine Sanctuaries, State Parks)
• And other interested members of the ocean community

If you or someone you know would like to be nominated for the KRMP Community Working Group, please apply via the online application form at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Kelp/KRMP by 5pm PST on Friday, June 9.

Additional information about the nomination process is available via a recent Marine Management News article at https://cdfwmarine.wordpress.com/2023/05/15/nominations-open-for-new-working-group-to-help-develop-californias-kelp-restoration-and-management-plan/. For those planning to apply, please review additional information about the KRMP Community Working Group at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=212928&inline, including its charge, commitment, selection criteria, and expectations. CDFW anticipates making final member selections this summer.

For more information, please visit the KRMP website at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Kelp/KRMP or direct questions to Kristen Elsmore at kelp@wildlife.ca.gov.