<
https://theconversation.com/nzs-vital-kelp-forests-are-in-peril-from-ocean-warming-threatening-the-important-species-that-rely-on-them-212956>
"Years of almost non-stop marine heatwaves are stressing New Zealand’s kelp
forests. But as we show in our new research, ongoing ocean warming is only one
of several threats to these unique and important coastal seaweed ecosystems.
Many seaweed species are sensitive to changes in the ocean’s acidity and
coastal “darkening” – changes in colour and clarity – is forcing some to
retreat to shallower waters. All these stress factors combined place these
crucial habitats in peril, with consequences for all species that depend on
them.
New Zealand has the ninth longest coastline in the world (at about
15,000 kilometres). This is almost twice the length of Australia’s great
southern reef, which has been valued at AUS$10 billion annually.
No equivalent valuation has been calculated for New Zealand’s seaweed-dominated
rocky reefs, but we know they provide crucial habitat for economically and
culturally important species such as pāua (abalone), kina (sea urchins), rock
lobster and near-shore finfish.
Our ability to predict the future impacts on these species depends on our
understanding of how the coastal habitats they require are changing."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
