30-Jan-2023: Kelp Forests are declining due to climate change

Highlights of the study:

• A recent study reveals that kelp forests are declining due to climate change.
• Rising temperatures are causing declines in the dominant kelp species Ecklonia radiata along the eastern Australian coastline.
• Ecklonia radiata is vulnerable to climate change, especially in regions near the equator.
• In situ protection may not be possible, but ex situ preservation in culture banks can preserve its unique genetic diversity for future restoration, hybridization, or adaptation strategies.

Kelp Forests

• are underwater ecosystems formed by the dense growth of several different species.
• are large brown algae that live in cool, relatively shallow waters close to the shore.
• attach to the seafloor and eventually grow to the water’s surface.
• require shallow, relatively clear water and sunlight to generate food and energy.

Significance:

• Serve as a food source for marine creatures and produce up to 60% of carbon found in coastal invertebrates.
• Provides underwater habitat for hundreds of species of invertebrates, fishes, and other algae.
• Provides habitat for birds to forage.
• Release carbon into the coastal ecology, increasing its productivity through primary production by kelp.