Panel 1: From the Gulf of Maine to Global Seas: Kelp Restoration in Action

Time:11:30 am–12:30 pm, Saturday, April 25th.

Location: The Cohen Center, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, ME

Description:

Maine’s kelp forests are changing—and the work to understand and restore them is happening right here on our coast, with connections reaching around the world. These incredible underwater ecosystems are true coastal superheroes, protecting shorelines, supporting ocean health, and sustaining local communities. This panel brings together leading Maine scientists and policy experts alongside restoration practitioners—including international partners from SeaForester (Portugal) and the World Wildlife Fund—to explore the current state of wild kelp forests, share restoration successes and challenges, and highlight how local efforts are contributing to a global movement to restore these threatened underwater ecosystems. Panelists will discuss plans for the future and the barriers to scaling restoration efforts locally and globally.

Hear from expert panelists to learn about:

• Why are kelp forests important to ocean ecosystems and coastal communities?
• What is the current state of kelp in the Gulf of Maine?
• How are scientists and practitioners working to restore kelp habitats—locally and globally?
• What barriers exist to large-scale kelp restoration, and what comes next?

Seaweed Saturday Panels

Join us during Seaweed Saturday, a free, all-ages celebration of seaweed on Portland’s working waterfront, for a series of engaging panel discussions featuring some of Maine’s leading voices in seaweed science, industry, and innovation.

Hosted in the Cohen Center at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, these 60-minute panels highlight topics that are shaping Maine’s seaweed sector—from food and nutrition to cutting-edge product development and ocean restoration.

Panels are free to attend, but space is limited and pre-registration is recommended. Whether you’re new to seaweed or already a fan, these conversations offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from the people driving Maine’s seaweed moment.