How does kelp help the ocean?

Asked by: Jamie Weaver

These underwater towers of kelp provide food and shelter for thousands of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammal species. Kelp forests harbor a greater variety and higher diversity of plants and animals than almost any other ocean community.

How does kelp help the ecosystem?

Because kelps are primary producers that modify the environment to create suitable habitat for a great diversity of species, they are known as foundational species. Kelp forests are also among the most productive ecosystems in the world, allowing them to support the diverse assemblage of life that inhibits them.

How does kelp help ocean acidification?

As kelp grows, it captures carbon from the water and produces oxygen, possibly removing enough carbon dioxide to relieve acidification.

What role does seaweed play in the ocean?

Seaweeds play a major role in marine ecosystems. As the first organism in marine food chains, they provide nutrients and energy for animals – either directly when fronds are eaten, or indirectly when decomposing parts break down into fine particles and are taken up by filter-feeding animals.

How does kelp prevent erosion?

The effect of kelp on coastal processes in nearshore systems

The capacity of coastal vegetation to provide protection against erosion and flooding is therefore dependent on their ability to exert drag. Thus, kelp-induced drag could create wave attenuation and potentially reduce sediment transport.

How do kelp forests help the environment?

Kelp forests provide food, nursery areas, and shelter—including protection from predators and storms—for hundreds of commercially and recreationally important fish species as well as West Coast marine wildlife.

Does kelp reduce ocean acidity?

The team’s findings, which appear in the journal JGR Oceans , show that near the ocean’s surface, the water’s pH is slightly higher, or less acidic, suggesting the kelp canopy does reduce acidity.

How does kelp affect pH levels?

Kelp and other seaweeds are ecosystem engineers that shape their physical and chemical surroundings. They soak up CO2 during the day through photosynthesis and thereby temporarily increase the pH level of seawater.

What would happen if the kelp disappeared?

Red abalone have been severely impacted by the loss of kelp and thus lack of food, causing the abalone fishery to close until at least 2021. Sea birds and marine mammals are also feeling the effects. With fewer fish available, the birds do not have enough food to feed their chicks.

Why is giant kelp so important?

Since kelp forest typically grows close to shore, it acts as a barrier to buffer the power of currents and waves. This helps slow erosion along our coastline and prevent loss of sand from our beaches. Giant kelp has also been used as a food supplement due to its high amounts of potassium and iodine.

What are some of the benefits provided by kelp forests and coral reefs?

High primary productivity and structure results a very diverse habitat, providing food and shelter for benthic invertebrates, mobile bottom invertebrates, and fishes.