A new study published in Nature Communications and led by UNSW Sydney reveals the importance of global kelp forests for our society.
They estimate that these forests generate up to $562 billion every year, through carbon dioxide sequestration, nutrients cycling, and fisheries productivity.
This first-of-its-kind study is a step forward for a better understanding of the role of kelp forests, as they are highly undervalued and overlooked.
Worldwide, kelp forests are under threat and disappearing. It’s estimated that 95% of kelp forests around the island state of Tasmania have died because of climate change.
This new study could be a driver for better conservation actions, management policies for kelp forests, and further research.
Read the full article here.
Image credit: Stefan Andrews / Ocean Image Bank.
