Help Our Kelp Act

S 2807, the Help Our Kelp Act, creates a federal grant program to fund projects conserving, restoring, and managing kelp forest ecosystems. It directly affects eligible entities like fishing industry groups, Indian Tribes, universities, nonprofits, and local governments, which can apply for grants totaling $5 million annually (2024-2028), with at least $750,000 reserved for tribal projects. Key provisions require applicants to address significant kelp declines, prioritize ecosystem resilience and Indigenous knowledge integration, and provide a 15% non-Federal cost share (with limited waivers). The program mandates science-based project evaluation and focuses on concrete actions like restoring natural food chains through urchin removal and monitoring kelp health.