Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help protect kelp forests in UK waters.

The UK recognises the important role that habitats such as kelp can play in preventing biodiversity loss, supporting healthy ecosystems and adaptation to climate change.

In England, we have a comprehensive network of 181 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and kelp can be found in some of these making up part of our key reef biotopes. Our focus is on ensuring these MPAs are effectively managed to allow the designated features, including those covering kelp, to achieve favourable condition.

Natural England are actively involved in the study and conservation of kelp forests in England. This work includes conducting dive surveys to monitor the condition of kelp forests, which can inform conservation action and help safeguard the long-term health of these ecosystems.

Defra set up the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership in partnership with DESNZ and the Devolved Governments to address evidence gaps around blue carbon habitats, including kelp. Defra is providing over £600,000 this financial year towards research into blue carbon, £36,000 of which is specifically directed towards macroalgae, including kelp. Defra also worked with a number of partners to produce regulatory guidance for seaweed aquaculture in England for those considering kelp aquaculture.