Kelp restoration

Grow a Kelp Seedling in Nazaré, Portugal

Support the Nazaré Regenerative Seaweed Farm and help grow the next generation of kelp forests.

Grow kelp here
Each seedling is grown on a restoration line in Nazaré.
2 kelp seedlings Quantity
Total $14.00/mo
Nazaré, Portugal
Kelp restoration
2 kelp seedlings
$14.00/mo
Grow kelp here
2 kelp seedlingsGrow kelp in Nazaré
About the project

About this project

Nazaré is famous for the world’s biggest wave, and now it’s becoming a symbol of ocean regeneration. Local fishers, scientists and students grow each Kelp Seedling on a restoration line, creating living forests that bring one of Portugal’s most iconic ecosystems back to life. 

Your donation grows the very first kelp seedlings at this site.

  • Restores biodiversity and strengthens coastlines
  • Creates sustainable local jobs
  • Trains future ocean stewards
How it works

Cultivate. Seed. Outplant.

The project follows a before–after–control–impact (BACI) design, ensuring robust, publishable results.

1.Cultivate Kelp spores are cultivated in Peniche, in the same lab where our SeaForester project began.
2.Seed University partners grow kelp on seeded lines, which are transported swiftly in coolers to Nazaré.
3.Outplant Seeded lines are attached to farm infrastructure just 3 metres below the surface, where they are monitored.

See the restoration in action

Project partner

Hope Zones Foundation

This project is led by the Hope Zones Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Portuguese big-wave surfer and ocean advocate João de Macedo. A grant from Patagonia and the World Surf League One Ocean program, as well as recognition from the UN OceanDecade network, really helped launch this initiative, which originally counted with IPL-MARE and SeaForester - also partners with Seatrees. Hope Zones focus on the Nazaré-area, led it to shift its Regeneration strategy to adopt Regenerative Seaweed Farming practices. 

This new path was forged with scientific partners: IPL-MARE and new partners: Open Climate Solutions. Regenerative Seaweed Farming means a new and innovative way of continuing what was started with planting more native seaweed in the ocean in a way that works to protect and regenerate the ocean by blending science, community, and storytelling: Hope Zones' core values and impact focus.

Learn more
From the field

Why Nazaré is the perfect place for this work

Restoration, biodiversity and researchSince there’s no rocky reef for kelp to grow on, we’re using a floating seaweed farm to create new habitat, attract marine life, and fill critical research gaps for exposed Atlantic coasts.
Community buy-inLocal fishers and communities back this project, as it supports jobs and healthier oceans without restricting livelihoods.
Media and educationKnown worldwide for big-wave surfing, Nazaré offers powerful opportunities for education, storytelling, and inspiring ocean action.

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