Sep

24

2007
 
 

Kelp in hot water



Scientists discover previously unknown biodiversity hotspots

Kelp, kelp, kelp. Is there nothing else to eat?Forests of kelp Eisenia galapagensis have been discovered growing off the Galápagos islands, thanks to the predictions of a computer model. Michael Graham at the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, California — together with marine biologist coworkers — report their findings in PNAS. Combining oceanic data with information on the growing requirements of kelp, they predicted where kelp forests might be found between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Kelp forests are incredibly productive centers of biodiversity, but because of their need for plenty of light and nutrients are generally considered to occur only in shallow, cool water regions. However, clearer tropical waters allow light to penetrate to greater depths, and Graham’s study uncovered a remarkable 23,500 square kilometers of potentially suitable habitat. Donning SCUBA gear aboard a suitably-sized boat, the intrepid scientists then found what they were looking for in the field — and the alga’s IUCN “Vulnerable” classification might now be due some revision. Source: Graham MH, Kinlan BP, Druehl LD, Garske LE & Banks S (2007) Deep-water kelp refugia as potential hotspots of tropical marine diversity and productivity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0704778104

Image © Sean Connell

Filed Under Climate change, Habitat, Marine, Monitoring, Tools and technology | 

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