Forests of the Sea

“I can only compare these great aquatic forests with the terrestrial ones in the inter tropical region. Yet if in any country a forest was destroyed, I do not believe nearly so many species of animals would perish as would here, from the destruction of the kelp.” Charles Darwin, 1834

Kelp forests once lined close to 30 percent of the world’s coastlines, creating some of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth. As sea temperatures rise, these living seaforests are under increasing pressure, shifting towards the poles and, in some regions, disappearing along with the intricate communities that depend on them.

Pippa Ehrlich, director of My Octopus Teacher and storyteller for Sea Change Project, presents the Great African Seaforest as a lens on a global story. She explores how kelp ecosystems function, why they matter for climate, biodiversity, and coastal livelihoods, and what science and storytelling can do to protect them. This talk blends cinematic insight with clear ecology, revealing the urgency and the hope in safeguarding forests of the sea.

What you will take away:
• A clear understanding of kelp forest ecology, from canopy to seafloor
• Evidence based insight into the drivers of decline and pathways for recovery
• Practical ideas for advocacy, education, and responsible storytelling

Who this is for:
• Photographers, filmmakers, and communicators interested in environmental storytelling
• Conservationists, policymakers, educators, and marine enthusiasts
• Students and lifelong learners seeking science grounded perspectives on ocean recovery