Chile’s ocean is home to extraordinarily diverse and abundant marine life. From seamounts to vibrant coral reefs to lush kelp forests, Chile’s underwater ecosystems support a remarkable number of species. Kelp forests are not only important breeding grounds for fish, they are also a part of the “blue carbon” system – the sequestering of carbon by marine ecosystems, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, tidal marshes and kelp forests. Eighty three percent of global carbon is circulated through the ocean. Coastal habitats such as mangroves, seagrass and kelp forests cover less than 20% of ocean area, but account for almost half of marine carbon sequestration. We are working to secure a 4,000 square kilometer MPA in the Pisagua region by the end of 2020 to protect fish spawning areas, artisanal fisheries, and kelp forests.