Forgotten Forest: Regenerating the Kelp Forest Highway | National Geographic

Summary

Kelp forests, vital ecosystems in the ocean, support countless species and play a crucial role in carbon capture. However, overfishing, pollution, and climate change are endangering these underwater forests. In response, Prada Group has teamed up with UNESCO-IOC to launch the Sea Beyond educational program, aimed at raising awareness and fostering a new generation of ocean custodians. The program highlights the importance of kelp forests, the challenges they face, and the need for restoration efforts. By educating future generations, the initiative strives to protect and restore these valuable marine ecosystems for a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kelp forests are crucial marine ecosystems that support thousands of species and capture millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually.
• 😀 Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are threatening the world's kelp forests, which urgently need protection.
• 😀 Prada Group has partnered with UNESCO-IOC to create the Sea Beyond educational program aimed at raising awareness and action to protect ocean ecosystems.
• 😀 Coral reefs are not the only important marine ecosystems—kelp forests play a vital role, particularly in the Pacific kelp forest highway.
• 😀 Kelp forests offer food, habitat, and resources for many species, in addition to providing wave protection and contributing to carbon sequestration.
• 😀 Climate change-induced marine heatwaves have caused a drastic 80% reduction in the kelp forest coverage in Mexico.
• 😀 Sea urchins thrive in the absence of kelp, leading to the creation of sea urchin deserts, which disrupt the ecosystem.
• 😀 The reproductive leaves of kelp are particularly sensitive and are often consumed by sea urchins, hindering regeneration.
• 😀 Fishermen in affected areas are struggling due to the loss of natural habitats for species like fish and lobster, leading to resource shortages.
• 😀 Kelp forests can be restored through underwater reforestation efforts, requiring collaboration and long-term programs to rebuild these ecosystems.
• 😀 The Sea Beyond educational program teaches children worldwide about marine conservation, fostering a new generation of ocean custodians for a sustainable future.

Q & A

What are kelp forests, and why are they important?

Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems that support thousands of marine species. They play a vital role in capturing carbon dioxide and provide food, habitat, and protection for numerous marine species, along with contributing to carbon sequestration and wave protection.

How do overfishing, pollution, and climate change affect kelp forests?

Overfishing, pollution, and climate change disrupt kelp forests by damaging the delicate balance of these ecosystems. For instance, climate change leads to marine heatwaves, which can cause a significant reduction in kelp forest coverage, as seen in areas like Mexico.

What is the Sea Beyond educational program, and how does it contribute to ocean conservation?

The Sea Beyond educational program, a collaboration between Prada Group and UNESCO-IOC, aims to teach children around the world about the marine environment, fostering the next generation of ocean custodians who will help preserve and protect ocean ecosystems.

What is the Kelp Forest Highway, and where does it extend?

The Kelp Forest Highway is a path that spans from Alaska to Mexico, marking the southern limit of the Pacific kelp forest. It has been crucial for human populations historically, as they utilized the resources from these kelp forests during their migration across the Bering Sea.

What role do sea urchins play in the kelp forest ecosystem?

Sea urchins are part of the kelp forest ecosystem and feed on the kelp. When the kelp is abundant, sea urchins are in a passive feeding mode. However, when kelp forests are destroyed, sea urchins become more active and overgraze, leading to the creation of sea urchin deserts and further harming the ecosystem.

Why are the reproductive leaves of kelp considered particularly vulnerable?

The reproductive leaves of kelp are the most sensitive part of the algae. They are crucial for the regeneration of the kelp forest, but sea urchins often graze on these new leaves, preventing the kelp from regenerating and leading to a decline in the forest's health.

How has the decline of kelp forests impacted local fishermen?

The decline of kelp forests has resulted in shortages of species like fish and lobster, which rely on kelp for habitat. Fishermen have been forced to adapt by seeking alternative sources of income and adjusting to the changing marine environment.

Is it possible to restore kelp forests, and how can this be achieved?

Yes, it is possible to restore kelp forests. A long-term program for underwater reforestation, coupled with teamwork and conservation efforts, can help restore these vital ecosystems and support the surrounding marine life.

Why is the kelp forest ecosystem important for human life?

The kelp forest ecosystem has supported human life for thousands of years by providing resources such as food and materials. It also helps regulate the marine environment, offers coastal protection, and contributes to carbon sequestration, which has broader implications for climate change.

How does the Sea Beyond program help future generations understand and care for the ocean?

The Sea Beyond program helps future generations by educating students about the marine environment and instilling a sense of responsibility for its preservation. It empowers young people to become ocean custodians and take action to ensure a sustainable, blue future for the planet.