5 Hope Spots You Might Not Know Have Kelp Forests

July 12, 2025

Cover image: Taylor Griffith

Kelp forests thrive in some surprising places around the world. From the icy waters of Iceland to the tropical seas of the Galápagos Islands, these underwater forests create vibrant habitats that support diverse marine life and sustain coastal communities. Across the globe, 32 Mission Blue Hope Spots are known for their vital kelp ecosystems, and here we take a closer look at five of these kelp Hope Spots and the unique stories they tell.

Northeast Iceland Hope Spot

At the edge of the Arctic Circle, the Northeast Iceland Hope Spot is a haven of geothermal vents, rocky coastlines, and cold, clear waters where underwater forests of tangle kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) thrive. These undersea habitats are part of an ecosystem that supports puffins, Arctic terns, and whales, and some of Europe’s most important bird colonies. Designated a Hope Spot in 2023, the region is now drawing renewed scientific attention to its kelp forests and deepwater ecosystems—critical knowledge as pressures from tourism and industry grow. As part of the Mission Blue Kelp Initiative in 2025, Dr. Marianne Rasmussen and her team are using underwater drones to map these little-studied kelp ecosystems and engage the public in their protection.

 

Humboldt Archipelago Hope Spot, Chile

Along Chile’s northern-central coast, the Humboldt Archipelago is home to extensive kelp forests dominated by Lessonia trabeculata and shaped by the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current. This diverse marine region supports 80% of the endangered Humboldt penguin population, and is an important feeding ground for both marine mammals and fishes. Amid threats from pollution and habitat degradation, Dr. Alejandro Pérez Matus and local fishermen are partnering to actively restore kelp forests by outplanting kelp individuals in both protected and open-access areas. Supported by the 2025 Mission Blue Kelp Initiative, their efforts combine science, community workshops, and sustainable resource management to demonstrate a promising path toward ecological recovery and long-term stewardship in this treasured marine landscape.

 

Greater Skellig Coast Hope Spot, Ireland

Stretching along Ireland’s southwest coast, the Greater Skellig Coast encompasses roughly 7,000 km² of diverse marine habitats, including bays, estuaries, and the iconic Skellig Islands. This area supports extensive kelp forests dominated by Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria digitata, providing habitat for a variety of marine life, including globally important seabird colonies. Seaweeds have long held a vital place in Irish coastal culture, with the Laminaria kelp species used in broths and seasonings. Red seaweeds are also used, with carrageen moss (Chondrus crispus) traditionally used in desserts and remedies and dulse (Palmaria palmata) enjoyed in soups and salads for centuries. These seaweeds were also historically spread on farmland as natural fertilizers, enriching the soil and supporting sustainable agriculture. Recognized as Ireland’s first Hope Spot by Mission Blue, the Greater Skellig Coast is now a focal point for efforts to protect 30% of Irish waters by 2030, supported by growing public awareness and new marine protected area legislation expected this year.

 

Galápagos Islands Hope Spot, Ecuador

The Galápagos Archipelago, a volcanic chain of 21 islands in the Eastern Pacific, is famous for its unique species that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. Beneath the surface lies Eisenia galapagensis, a rare endemic tropical kelp that forms underwater forests between 40 and 70 meters deep, providing vital habitat for marine life. Marine scientist Salomé Buglass discovered these kelp forests during a 2018 expedition using small remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Her ongoing research uses marine drones to explore the kelp’s ecology and its potential role as a climate refuge in warming oceans, and she has partnered with Mission Blue to study these deepwater kelps, diving with Dr. Earle in a submersible.

While the Galápagos has protected 97% of its land area, its surrounding waters face threats from fishing, tourism, and plastic pollution. Local conservationists emphasize the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure the islands’ unique marine ecosystems endure. The discovery of these deep kelp forests underscores the importance of continued research and stewardship in this globally significant Hope Spot.

 

Salish Sea Hope Spot, Pacific Northwest (U.S. & Canada)

The Salish Sea spans southern British Columbia and Washington State, featuring rich kelp forests dominated by giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana). These underwater habitats support iconic species like salmon and orcas, which have even been observed using kelp to groom themselves—an extraordinary example of animal-tool interaction. For Indigenous Coast Salish peoples, the sea and its kelp have profound cultural and subsistence importance, with sustainable harvesting practices rooted in traditional knowledge. Despite threats from pollution, development, and climate change, collaborative conservation efforts aim to restore kelp ecosystems and protect this vibrant, interconnected marine landscape.

 

Kelp forests are powerful reminders of the ocean’s incredible diversity and resilience. From remote Arctic coasts to tropical islands and temperate shores, these underwater forests support countless species and enrich the lives of people connected to the ocean. The 32 Mission Blue Hope Spots with kelp habitats showcase the importance of protecting and understanding these vital ecosystems. Through science, community engagement, and sustainable practices, we can help ensure that kelp forests continue to thrive and inspire future generations.

Learn more about kelp, and the work of Mission Blue Kelp Initiative, with the following articles:

Kelp 101: What Are Kelp Forests, and Why Do They Matter?

The Mission Blue Kelp Initiative: A Hope Spot Partnership for Kelp Protection

Hope Beneath the Waves: A Week with the Global Kelp Community in Victoria, Canada