Seatrees Documentary Kelp Currency Selected for Climate Film Festival in New York City
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – September 10, 2025 – Seatrees, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring ocean ecosystems, announced that its documentary Kelp Currency: Unlocking the True Value of the Ocean’s Forests will screen at the Climate Film Festival in New York City this September. The film showcases groundbreaking kelp research and the global climate implications of coastal restoration.
Kelp Currency follows the collaboration between Seatrees and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego to investigate how wild kelp forests along California’s coastline could help reverse climate change. The film dives into cutting-edge research aimed at quantifying kelp’s carbon sequestration capacity, a critical step toward unlocking global carbon finance for large-scale kelp restoration.
This research is significant because wild kelp forests are among the planet’s most productive ecosystems, yet they are disappearing at alarming rates. Some regions in California have experienced up to a 90% loss in recent years. Kelp Currency sheds light on how rigorous science could turn the tide for these underwater forests and transform them into a recognized climate solution.
The Climate Film Festival, founded in 2023, is the first cultural organization of its kind in New York dedicated entirely to climate storytelling through motion pictures. With a mission to reframe the climate narrative through human, energizing stories, CFF brings together filmmakers, experts, and audiences to imagine and act toward a more sustainable future.
“We’re honored to showcase Kelp Currency at the Climate Film Festival,” said Kevin Whilden, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Seatrees. “This is an incredible opportunity to share our story with a global audience and raise awareness about the urgent need to understand and value kelp’s role in reversing climate change. By quantifying kelp’s carbon benefits, we can unlock the funding and policies needed to restore these vital ecosystems at scale.”
The selection marks a significant milestone for Seatrees as it continues to lead the way in innovative ocean-based climate solutions. Through partnerships and research, Seatrees is working to develop verified carbon methodology for kelp forests and turn science into actionable conservation strategies.
Kelp Currency will screen as part of CFF’s September 2025 program in New York City, within the Eco-nomics: Doc Shorts block on Sunday, September 21st, from 12:00–2:00 PM at Regal Essex Crossing (Cinema 9), 129 Delancey St. The screening will be followed by a filmmaker Q&A panel featuring Seatrees Co-Founder Michael Stewart, speaking from 1:35–2:00 PM. Beyond the festival screening, Seatrees will also participate in events throughout Climate Week NYC, continuing the conversation on ocean-based climate solutions. Tickets are available here.
Supporters can directly fund the kelp forest carbon research highlighted in the film at seatrees.org, helping advance the science that could unlock global carbon financing for large-scale kelp restoration. Viewers can also subscribe on YouTube to watch Kelp Currency and stay updated on future initiatives.
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About Seatrees
Seatrees is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that restores and protects coastal ecosystems around the world to reverse climate change, restore biodiversity, and support local communities. Seatrees uses a science-based approach to regenerate coral reefs, kelp forests, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, shellfish reefs and coastal watersheds. Seatrees projects support local community restoration efforts and provide tangible ways for individuals and brands to create a more resilient planet for future generations. To learn more about Seatrees, visit seatrees.org.