This session explores the human and ecological impacts of mass strandings from two complementary perspectives: the lived experiences of coastal communities and the scientific evidence of how sargassum influxes are transforming marine ecosystems.

The International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB) is an international forum where scientists and policy makers from around the world meet to review current challenges in the global management of invasive marine organisms and to share new developments in science and policy.

The session will bring together perspectives on current initiatives, emerging challenges and practical actions to strengthen kelp forest conservation and restoration in South Africa and beyond.