Reef Check SoCal and Baja: Diving Beyond Borders for Kelp Forest Conservation

By Jessica Pantoja, Reef Check Baja California Regional Manager and Jaclyn Mann, Reef Check Southern California Regional Manager

On October 12th, Reef Check SoCal and Reef Check Baja joined forces to conduct, for the first time, a joint kelp forest monitoring expedition off the coast of San Diego. Aboard the Humboldt, a team of passionate divers from both sides of the border came together to share knowledge, strengthen bonds, and dive into the living forests that connect our coasts.

This marked a meaningful milestone for Reef Check Baja—the first time that a team of certified Reef Check divers from Mexico participated in a monitoring effort in California waters. The initiative reflects the growing collaboration between both regions, where scientists, fishermen, and citizen divers are joining efforts to protect the same ecosystems that connect our coasts.

Although surface conditions looked ideal—calm seas and sunny skies—poor underwater visibility prevented the completion of the scheduled surveys. But as every diver knows, the ocean has its own rhythm. Instead of returning to shore, the team decided to make the most of the day with a recreational dive amongst the majestic Pelagophycus porra, the giant elk kelp that thrives in deeper waters.

For many on the team, it was their first time descending into these deeper forests, where towering golden blades sway gently in the dim blue light. The experience was unforgettable—an encounter with a rarely seen ecosystem that deepened everyone’s sense of connection to the habitats they work so hard to monitor and protect.

“Collaborating with Reef Check SoCal was an experience that deeply enriched my learning as part of the Reef Check Baja team,” shared Carla Castañón. “It reminded me how important it is to unite efforts—because the ocean knows no borders, and the challenges we face are the same.”

“Sharing this space with people from such diverse backgrounds, but all united by their love for the ocean and their desire to protect it, was something truly special. The energy on board was incredible,” added Castañón.

Two long-time Southern California volunteers, Scott “Mac” McLeod and Nick Radcliffe, both of whom have previously surveyed with the Baja team in Mexico, shared their excitement about the collaboration.

“Participating as part of an international team reminds us that ocean stewardship transcends borders. If we want to protect our oceans, we must think globally while acting locally,” stated Nick. And Mac expanded, “Having been on a couple Baja surveys with the Baja team, being able to have them join with the SoCal team in our home area was superb. One mission. One wonderfully diverse, knowledgeable, multicultural team.”

This collaboration represents more than a day at sea—it’s a step toward strengthening the network of ocean stewards who, from Baja California to California, are working together to understand and conserve the living forests beneath the waves.

This program is made possible thanks to grant support from the Binational Resilience Initiative at San Diego Foundation.