Approaches to managing kelp forests

Highlights : > Managing the harvesting of wild growing kelp is still the most developed form of kelp management. > Humans’ intensifying use of the ocean is exposing kelp to many pressures in addition to harvesting. The cumulative impacts of these pressures need to be addressed in an integrated manner. > Ecosystem-based management is a strategic approach to integrated ecosystem management that can act as an umbrella for other approaches, including marine spatial planning, MPAs and initiatives towards individual activities that affect kelp ecosystems. > The management of kelp as ecosystems is usually not specific and tends to be included in more general approaches to ocean management.