Clay Steell
@claysteell.bsky.social
Kelp forest restoration & science with @bluefutureskelp.bsky.social | Lapsed fish biologist with a passion for ecology, physiology, oceans, & climate | Posts are, sadly, my own | he/him | in unceded Lekwungen territory
https://claysteell.weebly.com/
https://claysteell.weebly.com/
Pinned
Introducing Blue Futures Kelp, a new venture to restore kelp forests & advance restoration science in the northeast Pacific Ocean! Based in the unceded territories of Lekwungen peoples (Victoria, BC, Canada). Follow along to learn more!
#kelp #kelpforest #restoration #SalishSea #vanisle
#kelp #kelpforest #restoration #SalishSea #vanisle
Thrilled to share what I’ve been working on lately: launching @bluefutureskelp.bsky.social! Ever since returning to phycology 5 years ago & researching #kelp restoration, I've been hooked, & I’m grateful to be continuing it in this new capacity. Follow along for updates & more kelpy content 🌊
Reposted by Clay Steell
A new publication coauthored by Blue Future Kelp’s @claysteell.bsky.social is out, exploring the growing practice of #biobanking kelps for conservation & restoration. Read more below! 🌊 #PhycologyFriday #kelp
For #PhycologyFriday, check out this new publication I coauthored on #biobanking Pacific kelps & other macroalgae! Was a pleasure working with this team of other phycologists active in the space. Link: tinyurl.com/2v6a7aja
#kelp
#kelp
January 17, 2026 at 1:24 AM
A new publication coauthored by Blue Future Kelp’s @claysteell.bsky.social is out, exploring the growing practice of #biobanking kelps for conservation & restoration. Read more below! 🌊 #PhycologyFriday #kelp
For #PhycologyFriday, check out this new publication I coauthored on #biobanking Pacific kelps & other macroalgae! Was a pleasure working with this team of other phycologists active in the space. Link: tinyurl.com/2v6a7aja
#kelp
#kelp
January 17, 2026 at 1:15 AM
For #PhycologyFriday, check out this new publication I coauthored on #biobanking Pacific kelps & other macroalgae! Was a pleasure working with this team of other phycologists active in the space. Link: tinyurl.com/2v6a7aja
#kelp
#kelp
Reposted by Clay Steell
The red dot is a baby North Atlantic right whale trying to migrate up the east coast of the United states.
The blue streaks are fast moving shipping vessels entering and leaving New York City harbor.
One collision and the whale is dead.
We need *mandatory* speed limits for these vessels! 🧪🦑🌍
The blue streaks are fast moving shipping vessels entering and leaving New York City harbor.
One collision and the whale is dead.
We need *mandatory* speed limits for these vessels! 🧪🦑🌍
January 14, 2026 at 4:34 PM
The red dot is a baby North Atlantic right whale trying to migrate up the east coast of the United states.
The blue streaks are fast moving shipping vessels entering and leaving New York City harbor.
One collision and the whale is dead.
We need *mandatory* speed limits for these vessels! 🧪🦑🌍
The blue streaks are fast moving shipping vessels entering and leaving New York City harbor.
One collision and the whale is dead.
We need *mandatory* speed limits for these vessels! 🧪🦑🌍
Reposted by Clay Steell
they've got Raffi calling for regime change. something has shifted.
January 9, 2026 at 6:07 PM
they've got Raffi calling for regime change. something has shifted.
Reposted by Clay Steell
In case you didn't think the US was a petrostate, here's a time series of oil production of the top 10 oil-producing nations.
November 11, 2024 at 10:46 PM
In case you didn't think the US was a petrostate, here's a time series of oil production of the top 10 oil-producing nations.
Reposted by Clay Steell
Abysmal statement from Canada on the illegal US action in Venezuela.
It doesn’t matter how much you dislike Maduro, that doesn’t justify a violation of international law and the UN Charter. You can’t call on “all parties” to respect international law and not call out US lawlessness.
It doesn’t matter how much you dislike Maduro, that doesn’t justify a violation of international law and the UN Charter. You can’t call on “all parties” to respect international law and not call out US lawlessness.
Please see my statement on the situation in Venezuela:
January 3, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Abysmal statement from Canada on the illegal US action in Venezuela.
It doesn’t matter how much you dislike Maduro, that doesn’t justify a violation of international law and the UN Charter. You can’t call on “all parties” to respect international law and not call out US lawlessness.
It doesn’t matter how much you dislike Maduro, that doesn’t justify a violation of international law and the UN Charter. You can’t call on “all parties” to respect international law and not call out US lawlessness.
Reposted by Clay Steell
Oil brings us climate change and illegal invasions of sovereign nations.
January 3, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Oil brings us climate change and illegal invasions of sovereign nations.
So much for “elbows up”
Foreign affairs minister Anita Anand just released Canada’s official statement on “the situation in Venezuela”:
Does not condemn illegal American military actions, reiterates position that the kidnapped president was illegitimate, calls on “all parties to respect international law,” etc
Does not condemn illegal American military actions, reiterates position that the kidnapped president was illegitimate, calls on “all parties to respect international law,” etc
Please see my statement on the situation in Venezuela:
January 3, 2026 at 4:28 PM
So much for “elbows up”
Reposted by Clay Steell
A huge thank you to Ocean Wise for supporting this work, and to my friend and longtime collaborator Dr. Lauren Dykman for volunteering to collect this kelp with me!
December 30, 2025 at 11:16 PM
A huge thank you to Ocean Wise for supporting this work, and to my friend and longtime collaborator Dr. Lauren Dykman for volunteering to collect this kelp with me!
Reposted by Clay Steell
By creating gametophyte cultures from these Giant Kelp growing at the edge of its range into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this Ocean Action Grant funded project ensures their unique genotype is conserved as we move into a warmer future, & can be made available for future restoration if needed!
December 30, 2025 at 11:16 PM
By creating gametophyte cultures from these Giant Kelp growing at the edge of its range into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this Ocean Action Grant funded project ensures their unique genotype is conserved as we move into a warmer future, & can be made available for future restoration if needed!
Reposted by Clay Steell
Recent research I’ve supported shows that some at-risk range-edge kelp populations have unique genotypes that may be critical for restoring kelp forests in a warming ocean, as we’ve shown that different genotypes within a kelp species can be more or less tolerant to stressors like high temperature.
December 30, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Recent research I’ve supported shows that some at-risk range-edge kelp populations have unique genotypes that may be critical for restoring kelp forests in a warming ocean, as we’ve shown that different genotypes within a kelp species can be more or less tolerant to stressors like high temperature.
Reposted by Clay Steell
Earlier this fall, I was awarded an Ocean Action Grant by Ocean Wise to set up a gametophyte culturing lab & collect spores from a potentially vulnerable population of Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) for long term bio-banking! #kelp #kelpforest #conservation #restoration #ocean
December 30, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Earlier this fall, I was awarded an Ocean Action Grant by Ocean Wise to set up a gametophyte culturing lab & collect spores from a potentially vulnerable population of Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) for long term bio-banking! #kelp #kelpforest #conservation #restoration #ocean
Reposted by Clay Steell
For @nationalobserver.com, I spoke with U of T’s Laura Tozer.
Last year, she was adding climate policies to her lecture slides. This year, she’s deleting them, and asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to explain the rollbacks directly to her students.
Last year, she was adding climate policies to her lecture slides. This year, she’s deleting them, and asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to explain the rollbacks directly to her students.
This University of Toronto Professor wants Carney to answer to her students
Each year, University of Toronto professor Laura Tozer updates a slide deck that she presents to her graduate students on the state of climate policy in Canada. This year, she is deleting everything.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:54 PM
For @nationalobserver.com, I spoke with U of T’s Laura Tozer.
Last year, she was adding climate policies to her lecture slides. This year, she’s deleting them, and asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to explain the rollbacks directly to her students.
Last year, she was adding climate policies to her lecture slides. This year, she’s deleting them, and asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to explain the rollbacks directly to her students.
Reposted by Clay Steell
Co-founder of Colossal Biosciences Ben Lamm has a history of hyping up “world-changing” ventures that ultimately lead nowhere. Cheerleading false techno-fixes like de-extinction in the media distracts from real attempts to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
Faking it without making it: The de-extinction disinfo campaign manager’s history of hype
How Colossal Biosciences’ CEO Ben Lamm keeps the hype cycle going. By Jonathan Matthews
gmwatch.org
December 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Co-founder of Colossal Biosciences Ben Lamm has a history of hyping up “world-changing” ventures that ultimately lead nowhere. Cheerleading false techno-fixes like de-extinction in the media distracts from real attempts to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
Reposted by Clay Steell
In this season of renewal, as we muster fresh energy, it’s worth revisiting this deep look at burnout among environmental advocates—and why caring for ourselves sustains the long game we’re all in.
#OceanHoptimism #MentalHealth
#OceanHoptimism #MentalHealth
Who Heals the Earth’s Healers? Ways to Avert Burnout for Environmental Advocates https://therevelator.org/burnout-environmental-advocates/
Who Heals the Earth’s Healers? Ways to Avert Burnout for Environmental Advocates • The Revelator
You’re helping nature — but nature also has ways to help you, make you more resilient, and relieve the stress caused by environmental destruction.
therevelator.org
December 27, 2025 at 8:25 PM
In this season of renewal, as we muster fresh energy, it’s worth revisiting this deep look at burnout among environmental advocates—and why caring for ourselves sustains the long game we’re all in.
#OceanHoptimism #MentalHealth
#OceanHoptimism #MentalHealth
For #PhycologyFriday, check out my new #kelp restoration & research outfit, @bluefutureskelp.bsky.social! More phyco-y updates to come, in meantime, here’s some biodiversity monitoring for a client in former #seaweed habitat, collecting @reeflifesurvey.bsky.social data to understand #urchin dynamics
Earlier this month, BFK ushered in the winter with its first diving contract 🤿 Using the @reeflifesurvey.bsky.social method, we collected biodiversity data for a client & their First Nation partner monitoring kelp / urchin barren dynamics, & also gathered urchin samples
#kelp #kelpforest #urchin
#kelp #kelpforest #urchin
December 26, 2025 at 5:29 PM
For #PhycologyFriday, check out my new #kelp restoration & research outfit, @bluefutureskelp.bsky.social! More phyco-y updates to come, in meantime, here’s some biodiversity monitoring for a client in former #seaweed habitat, collecting @reeflifesurvey.bsky.social data to understand #urchin dynamics
Reposted by Clay Steell
Right? Speaking as a CUPW union steward, Canada Post's "woes" are actually just investments in vehicle fleets and a new parcel facility. The rest is lost pay equity lawsuits and funnelling parcels to Purolator.
Also...
policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Also...
policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Canada Post is already one of the world’s most cost-effective postal systems - CCPA
There’s a common narrative about why Canada Post is in such bad shape—the company’s financial difficulties lie in excessive spending, and that the decline of letter-mail has made Canada Post too costl...
policyalternatives.ca
December 24, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Right? Speaking as a CUPW union steward, Canada Post's "woes" are actually just investments in vehicle fleets and a new parcel facility. The rest is lost pay equity lawsuits and funnelling parcels to Purolator.
Also...
policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Also...
policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Thrilled to share what I’ve been working on lately: launching @bluefutureskelp.bsky.social! Ever since returning to phycology 5 years ago & researching #kelp restoration, I've been hooked, & I’m grateful to be continuing it in this new capacity. Follow along for updates & more kelpy content 🌊
Introducing Blue Futures Kelp, a new venture to restore kelp forests & advance restoration science in the northeast Pacific Ocean! Based in the unceded territories of Lekwungen peoples (Victoria, BC, Canada). Follow along to learn more!
#kelp #kelpforest #restoration #SalishSea #vanisle
#kelp #kelpforest #restoration #SalishSea #vanisle
December 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Thrilled to share what I’ve been working on lately: launching @bluefutureskelp.bsky.social! Ever since returning to phycology 5 years ago & researching #kelp restoration, I've been hooked, & I’m grateful to be continuing it in this new capacity. Follow along for updates & more kelpy content 🌊
Reposted by Clay Steell
“All private and public sector employers should pay their employees, whether direct or on contract, at least a living wage,” reads a report authored by @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social in August. #canlab futureofgood.co/record-numbe...
Record number of working Canadians now relying on food banks | Future of Good
Across the country, reports show food bank usage has hit unprecedented heights, even for those who are working.
futureofgood.co
December 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
“All private and public sector employers should pay their employees, whether direct or on contract, at least a living wage,” reads a report authored by @ccpanovascotia.bsky.social in August. #canlab futureofgood.co/record-numbe...
Reposted by Clay Steell
Ignored since the federal election, an arms-length expert body set up to advise the federal government on the energy transition is collapsing.
The latest pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta representing the final straw for two members. @woodsideful.bsky.social reports
The latest pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta representing the final straw for two members. @woodsideful.bsky.social reports
Federal net-zero body falling apart in wake of Alberta-Ottawa deal
Two prominent members of the Net-Zero Advisory Body, including its chair, have resigned this week, citing a lack of influence over a government that’s increasingly pulling back on climate action.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Ignored since the federal election, an arms-length expert body set up to advise the federal government on the energy transition is collapsing.
The latest pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta representing the final straw for two members. @woodsideful.bsky.social reports
The latest pipeline agreement between Canada and Alberta representing the final straw for two members. @woodsideful.bsky.social reports
Reposted by Clay Steell
Do yourself a favour and read this excellent article from @arnokopecky.bsky.social
"Pierre Pollievre might still be the official opposition, but everyone knows who the real conservative leader is now."
"Pierre Pollievre might still be the official opposition, but everyone knows who the real conservative leader is now."
A long, ugly battle has just been set in motion.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/27/a...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/27/a...
Read it and weep: This pipeline agreement is a document of betrayal
How to describe the laundry list of climate-killing gifts to Alberta that the MOU spells out? The depth of the betrayal goes beyond words. I felt ill as I read it. It’s not just the hard-won ground lo...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Do yourself a favour and read this excellent article from @arnokopecky.bsky.social
"Pierre Pollievre might still be the official opposition, but everyone knows who the real conservative leader is now."
"Pierre Pollievre might still be the official opposition, but everyone knows who the real conservative leader is now."
For #PhycologyFriday, some Desmarestia aculeata (and a frosted nudibranch, if you look closely) just offshore here in Lekwungen territory (Victoria, Vancouver Island). Unlike the highly acidic species the Desmarestia genus is better known for, this one grows over winter & persists for multiple years
November 28, 2025 at 11:12 PM
For #PhycologyFriday, some Desmarestia aculeata (and a frosted nudibranch, if you look closely) just offshore here in Lekwungen territory (Victoria, Vancouver Island). Unlike the highly acidic species the Desmarestia genus is better known for, this one grows over winter & persists for multiple years
Reposted by Clay Steell
Saving the C-Gar!
“Cuban scientists race against time to save fish as old as the dinosaurs”
LINK: www.reuters.com/business/env...
“Cuban scientists race against time to save fish as old as the dinosaurs”
LINK: www.reuters.com/business/env...
November 24, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Saving the C-Gar!
“Cuban scientists race against time to save fish as old as the dinosaurs”
LINK: www.reuters.com/business/env...
“Cuban scientists race against time to save fish as old as the dinosaurs”
LINK: www.reuters.com/business/env...
On the one hand, the growing organization of fascism on the Canadian right is a huge concern as it gets closer to going mainstream
On the other hand, they’ve chosen perhaps the goofiest, least sympathetic cause to rally around
On the other hand, they’ve chosen perhaps the goofiest, least sympathetic cause to rally around
Leaders of Canada’s newest convoy worry police are trying to sabotage a nationwide protest avenging a flock of dead ostriches
Ostrich Convoy organizers say they are at ‘war’ with the federal government, but insist they will remain ‘peaceful’
Ostrich Convoy organizers say they are at ‘war’ with the federal government, but insist they will remain ‘peaceful’
Leaders of Canada’s Newest Convoy Worry Police Are Trying to Sabotage a Nationwide Protest Avenging a Flock of Dead Ostriches
Convoy organizers say they are at ‘war’ with food inspectors and the federal government, but insist they will remain ‘peaceful’
pressprogress.ca
November 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
On the one hand, the growing organization of fascism on the Canadian right is a huge concern as it gets closer to going mainstream
On the other hand, they’ve chosen perhaps the goofiest, least sympathetic cause to rally around
On the other hand, they’ve chosen perhaps the goofiest, least sympathetic cause to rally around
For #PhycologyFriday, a Bull Kelp bed at the end of its season here in Lekwungen Territory (Victoria, BC). Though these sporophytes will soon disappear, the kelp bed will persist microscopically over the winter in the form of billions of gametophytes, probably growing from dropped spores right now!
November 22, 2025 at 5:09 AM
For #PhycologyFriday, a Bull Kelp bed at the end of its season here in Lekwungen Territory (Victoria, BC). Though these sporophytes will soon disappear, the kelp bed will persist microscopically over the winter in the form of billions of gametophytes, probably growing from dropped spores right now!