OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington is moving to protect struggling kelp beds near Squaxin Island as part of a broader push to restore critical marine habitats.

On Friday, Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove signed an executive order prohibiting the leasing of 350 acres near the island to promote kelp growth.

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“The only activities that will occur on these aquatic lands are those that are aimed at supporting and helping the restoration of those kelp beds,” Upthegrove said.

The initiative is part of a broader state commitment to conserve and recover at least 10,000 acres of kelp and eelgrass by 2040.

Kris Peters, chair of the Squaxin Island Tribe, said the kelp population around the island has dropped 80

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