The bill establishes bull kelp forests as the official state marine forest of Washington, recognizing their vital role in the state's culture, commerce, and ecology. Bull kelp, along with other marine vegetation, supports a diverse range of marine species and is crucial for sustaining important fisheries. The bill emphasizes the cultural significance of bull kelp for tribal nations, affirming that the act respects and upholds the treaty rights of Indian tribes, ensuring that their access to healthy bull kelp ecosystems is preserved for food, materials, and cultural practices.

Additionally, the bill addresses the alarming decline of bull kelp in Puget Sound and outlines the state's commitment to conservation efforts. It references previous legislative actions and funding aimed at implementing a kelp conservation and recovery plan, with a goal of restoring at least 10,000 acres of kelp forests and eelgrass meadows by 2040. The new legal language inserted into the law designates bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests as the official marine forest of Washington, highlighting their importance to the state's identity and ecological health.