LOS ANGELES — Kelp is a vital part of our marine ecosystem on the West Coast — and while many species rely on these giant kelp forests, it also plays a big part in our emerging blue economy, and absorbing carbon to combat climate change.

After the fires, these seaweeds were at risk from the runoff and pollution, but genetic researchers from Kelp Ark at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles came to preserve these species for future restoration.