How does kelp forest help humans?

Economic Importance Kelp forests provide a variety of commercial and ecosystem services to humans. Harvesting kelp began on a large scale during World War I, when it was used as a source of potash to make gunpowder. During that time, removal was unregulated and highly destructive to the surrounding habitat.

What is kelp and why is it important?

The Importance of Kelp – Jane Watson They play an important role in the health and stability of near shore marine ecosystems. They eat sea urchins and other invertebrates that eat vast quantities of giant kelp. Providing habitat is one of many services kelp offers to the marine ecosystem.

What are the benefits of kelp forests?

They provide many ecological benefits. Kelp serves as an ecosystem foundation: feeding and sheltering diverse ocean species. They’re a vital habitat for schools of fish. Kelp forests also reduce coastal erosion and serve as a buffer against strong storm-born waves.

What happens if there’s too much kelp in the ocean?

Sea urchins live in colonies in the ocean, often at the base of kelp forests, where they chew through the stalks of kelp. Left unchecked, sea urchins can decimate a kelp forest, leaving what is known as an “urchin barren,” an area almost or completely denuded of kelp.

Why are California kelp forests disappearing?

Sea urchins are voracious kelp-grazers, and sea star wasting disease left the kelp forests of Northern California without sea urchin predators. “There were a lot of disruptions at one time that led to this collapse, and the system now persists in this altered state,” said first author Meredith McPherson.

How can we save the kelp forest?

To keep kelp forests healthy, it’s vital that countries around the world take action against climate change. Creating no-fishing zones and cutting back on the chemicals used in farming can also help protect kelp forests and the animals who live in them.

Where is the biggest kelp forest?

The region with the greatest diversity of kelps (>20 species) is the northeastern Pacific, from north of San Francisco, California, to the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Although kelp forests are unknown in tropical surface waters, a few species of Laminaria have been known to occur exclusively in tropical deep waters.

Can giant kelp move?

The stemlike stipes are tough but flexible, allowing the kelp to sway in ocean currents. Giant kelp absorbs all necessary nutrients from the sun and the surrounding water — it doesn’t require a root system like typical land plants.

Can kelp be restored?

Without intervention and direct restoration, kelp forests may take decades to return. To speed up the recovery process of this vital ecosystem, The Bay Foundation has initiated, and currently leads, a partnership of researchers, fishermen, and conservationists in the removal of the overly abundant purple sea urchins.

Is kelp endangered?

Giant Kelp Forests have now been put on the endangered list. Major issues of concern for this ecosystem include marine pollution, water quality of the ocean, Kelp harvesting, fisheries, invasive species, and climate change are huge factors of this endangerment.

Do otters eat kelp?

Sea otters eat sea urchins & other invertebrates that graze on giant kelp.

How fast can this kelp grow?

Giant kelp grow to 100 feet (30 m) on average but can reach lengths of 175 feet (53 m) in ideal conditions. 2. Giant kelp grow at an average rate of 11 inches (28 cm) a day but can grow 24 inches (61 cm) a day in ideal conditions. 3.

What grows faster kelp or bamboo?

For an in depth comparison: Bamboo grows 1.5 to 3 times faster than kelp. This means that 2.8 – 5.7 bamboo plants produce the same amount of fuel as 1 kelp plant.