A new documentary, Harvest to Heal, is shining a spotlight on an innovative effort to restore California’s declining kelp forests, featuring the work of UC Santa Barbara Marine Science Institute scientists Dr. Jenn Caselle and Conner Jainese. The 52-minute film brings together marine researchers, commercial urchin divers, conservationists, and industry partners to explore collaborative solutions for restoring vital underwater ecosystems off San Miguel Island.
Produced by Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara (CFSB) and Blue Ocean Productions, Harvest to Heal will screen at two California film festivals this November: the Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival on November 12 and the San Pedro International Film Festival on November 14.
At the heart of the documentary is a restoration project addressing the overpopulation of purple sea urchins, which can contribute to the decline of kelp forests when their grazing prevents kelp from regenerating. By removing excess urchins from underwater areas known as urchin barrens, the team is investigating ways to help these ecosystems recover.
Marine Science Institute Researchers Contribute to Ocean Restoration
Representing UC Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute, Dr. Jenn Caselle and Conner Jainese are among the key scientific contributors to the restoration effort.
Their involvement highlights the important role of marine science and research in understanding ecosystem changes and developing approaches to ocean conservation. Working alongside commercial divers and conservation partners, the researchers contribute scientific expertise to a project that connects ecological research with hands-on restoration.
Their participation also demonstrates the value of collaboration between academic researchers and the commercial fishing community, bringing together different forms of knowledge and experience to address complex environmental challenges.
The project is led by Kim Selkoe, Ph.D., of Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, and includes commercial urchin divers Jeff Maassen, Jonathan Woodcock, Trent Pettersen, and Harry Liquornik.
Additional participating organizations include The Nature Conservancy, The Bay Foundation, The Cultured Abalone, and Marino Soil Foods, a company developing fertilizer products from harvested sea urchins.
Through Harvest to Heal, I’ve had the opportunity to share the beauty of this special place [San Miguel Island] while telling the story of scientists, fishermen, and conservationists working together to restore kelp forests.
Turning an Environmental Challenge Into an Opportunity
Kelp forests are among California's most important marine ecosystems, providing habitat and food for numerous marine species while supporting biodiversity and coastal communities. However, many areas along the state's coastline have experienced substantial kelp losses.
One contributing factor is the increase in purple sea urchin populations. When urchins become overly abundant, they can consume kelp faster than it can grow back, transforming once-thriving underwater forests into largely barren seafloors.
Harvest to Heal documents how the restoration team is exploring a different approach: removing excess purple sea urchins while investigating productive uses for the harvested animals.
Through partnerships with seafood and other businesses, including Marino Soil Foods, the project explores market-based solutions that could connect marine restoration with economic opportunities for coastal communities.
The documentary captures the work through underwater cinematography, scientific observation, and personal stories from the people directly involved. It also highlights early signs of recovery, offering an inside look at the challenges and possibilities of restoring California's underwater forests.
A Story of Collaboration and Hope
For filmmaker and director of photography Jim Knowlton, the documentary is also a personal story about a remarkable underwater environment.
"I’ve been diving at San Miguel Island for decades, and it’s one of the most extraordinary places I’ve explored underwater," Knowlton said. "Through Harvest to Heal, I’ve had the opportunity to share the beauty of this special place while telling the story of scientists, fishermen, and conservationists working together to restore kelp forests."
Knowlton said the film demonstrates what is possible when people come together to protect and restore ocean environments, offering a message of hope for the future.
Two Opportunities to See the Film in November
Audiences will have two opportunities to watch Harvest to Heal this month.
Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival
- Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Venue: The Arlington Theatre
- Address: 1317 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
The film will be presented at the historic Arlington Theatre as part of the Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival.
San Pedro International Film Festival
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, John M. Olguin Auditorium
- Address: 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA
With its focus on scientific discovery, community partnerships, and innovative restoration strategies, Harvest to Heal tells a story that extends beyond the underwater landscape of San Miguel Island. It highlights the people working to address environmental challenges and demonstrates how collaboration between scientists, commercial fishermen, and conservationists can contribute to a healthier ocean.
As California continues to confront the loss of its kelp forests, Harvest to Heal offers an encouraging look at the people and partnerships working to bring these essential underwater ecosystems back to life.
Funding Support
Eric & Wendy Schmidt
Santa Barbara County Fish & Wildlife Commission
Details and Ticket Information: Harvest to Heal