About Us
NKELPA (the National Kelp Ecosystem Learning and Practice Alliance) is a coast-to-coast-to-coast network connecting researchers, practitioners, Indigenous partners, and policymakers around the stewardship of Canada’s kelp ecosystems. We work to mobilize knowledge, build shared understanding of the state of kelp science across the country, and support coordinated action to protect and restore these vital coastal habitats.
NKELPA so far...
Connecting canada’s kelp community across knowledge, stewardship, and policy — coast to coast to coast.
- Data collection
- Knowledge synthesis and decision support
- Supportive actions
- Stewardship actions
National Working Groups
Focused on BC’s kelp forests — canopy and subtidal species, Indigenous stewardship, spatial data, ecosystem services, and restoration. Priorities include improving distribution mapping, understanding kelp resilience, and engaging First Nations and provincial policy.
Covering NS, NB, NL, QC, PEI, NU, and sub-Arctic regions — a vast and under-monitored area facing some of Canada’s most significant kelp knowledge gaps. Priorities include foundational mapping, multi-jurisdictional coordination, and building Indigenous engagement across Atlantic and Arctic communities.
The Knowledge to Action Framework describes how NKELPA moves from knowledge to real-world impact. A strong foundation of data and knowledge mobilization sits at the core, enabled by networks and collaboration across Canada’s kelp community. Around that, four action streams — science and management, policy and decision-making, monitoring and research, and education and training, translate that knowledge into on-the-ground stewardship, all sustained by funding and financing.
Outputs
State of Kelp
Knowledge to Action
Action planning
Become Part of NKELPA and Other Questions!
