Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is the world’s largest seaweed. It can form towering forests, reaching heights of 30 metres, that support high biodiversity on temperate reefs1. Around Tasmania, the ingression of warmer and oligotrophic waters, combined with anthropogenic pressures, has decimated local giant kelp forests in the last 50 years, with an estimated 95% of Tasmanian forests lost2. The loss of these key ecosystem engineers is causing the decline of their associated biota3, with ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural ramifications. A unique partnership between research, conservation practitioners and industry is now underway to help preserve and restore giant kelp populations around Tasmania. Here, we will present how conservation genomics are being incorporated into this restoration project, in a bid to identify genetically suitable individuals for propagation. We aim to achieve this by elucidating the genetic basis of thermal tolerance in giant kelp and standing genetic diversity in remnant populations around Tasmania. Progress on the construction of a reference genome of Tasmanian M. pyrifera, a crucial step in this project, will be shared. By identifying robust individuals, all while maximising genetic diversity in populations, we hope to improve the resilience and adaptability of restored giant kelp forests to future climate conditions.