Efficient spatial kelp biomass estimations using acoustic methods

Kelp forests are the largest vegetated marine ecosystem on earth, but vast areas of their distribution remain unmapped and unmonitored. Efficient cost-effective methods for measuring standing biomass these ecosystems urgently needed coastal mapping, ocean accounting sustainable management wild harvest. Here we show how widely available acoustic equipment vessels can be used to perform robust large-scale (kilometer) quantifications kelp which in assessments monitoring programs. We demonstrate interpret echograms from systems into point estimates order create spatial maps distribution. also explore what environmental conditions suitable measures. This has direct application blue carbon accounting, monitoring, seaweed harvest protection conservation habitats supporting high biodiversity.