California is globally recognized as one of our planet’s most vital biodiversity hotspots, with marine ecosystems that support a stunning diversity of species and intricate ecological relationships. These environments play a critical role in global biodiversity and climate regulation. However, they are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat degradation, and ecological imbalances—particularly the unchecked population growth of purple sea urchins, which has led to the collapse of kelp forests along the coast.

The Pacific Northwest Biodiversity and Conservation Program responds to these urgent challenges with a transformative, youth-centered approach. Developed in partnership with the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Collaborative, the program is designed to educate high school students about marine biodiversity while directly engaging them in hands-on conservation activities. California’s MPAs—ecologically rich and culturally significant—serve as living classrooms where students explore both the science and cultural context of marine conservation.

A core feature of the program is the sea urchin removal project along California’s Mendocino coast. Kelp forests are critical marine habitats and carbon sinks, essential for biodiversity and climate resilience. Students actively help manage overpopulated sea urchins, contributing directly to the revival of these underwater forests and the restoration of ecological balance.

The program is structured to run annually each September, engaging four cohorts of 20 students in four-day sessions. Over the course of these immersive experiences, participants gain foundational knowledge of marine biodiversity, explore the cultural and historical relevance of California’s marine ecosystems, and practice essential conservation techniques. These include conducting ecological monitoring, collecting data, and analyzing the impact of their work—skills that are crucial for budding scientists and conservationists.

The program’s curriculum is built around four key components:

Marine Biodiversity Education – Students receive interactive instruction on the importance and complexity of marine ecosystems, especially within California’s MPAs.
Cultural Significance Exploration – Through guided discussions, students learn about the relationship between local communities and marine environments, gaining insight into the human dimensions of conservation.
Sea Urchin Removal Project – Students actively participate in restoration work, managing invasive urchin populations to revive kelp forests.
Ecological Monitoring – Participants are trained in field data collection and analysis, reinforcing scientific literacy and evaluation skills.
Impact:
By participating in this program, students will:

Gain a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity and the challenges it faces.
Actively contribute to restoring kelp forests, which are critical habitats for numerous marine species.
Develop leadership skills and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Build a connection between scientific knowledge and real-world conservation practices.
Help amplify the importance of Marine Protected Areas as tools for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
By the end of each session, students are not only better informed about marine issues but are also personally involved in addressing them. The program aims to educate 80 students annually, providing them with the tools and confidence to become advocates for marine conservation. Long-term goals include inspiring future careers in environmental science and increasing community engagement in local biodiversity protection efforts.

In conclusion, the Pacific Northwest Biodiversity and Conservation Program is a powerful educational and environmental initiative. By blending science education with direct action, it empowers students to make meaningful contributions to marine conservation while fostering a deep, lasting connection to the natural world. With continued support, this program will help safeguard California’s marine biodiversity and cultivate a new generation of environmental leaders.