Our globe is changing quickly due to global warming, and its destructive repercussions are not just felt on land. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and increased coastal runoff are causing an existential catastrophe for underwater forests, especially kelp ecosystems.
Known as the “trees of the ocean,” kelps are essential to marine environments. Innumerable marine species rely on them for food, shelter, and breeding sites. The worrying effects of climate change on these underwater forests, particularly in the Arctic, are highlighted by a recent study that was published in Scientific Reports.
As global temperatures rise, glaciers and permafrost melt at an accelerated rate, leading to massive inflows of freshwater into coastal regions, known as “coastal runoff plumes.” This phenomenon reduces salinity, washes in sediments that block sunlight, and deposits harmful heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury into marine ecosystems. Researchers found that kelp exposed to high runoff levels contained 72% more mercury than those in unaffected areas.
Additionally, this contamination disrupts the microbiome of kelp, altering its nutritional value and affecting the delicate balance of the Arctic food web. The accumulation of heavy metals in marine organisms can hinder their growth, reproduction, and overall survival.
Despite these challenges, kelp forests have a remarkable ability to absorb heavy metals, which could benefit marine aquaculture by promoting healthier fish populations. However, without urgent action to combat global warming, these underwater forests may shrink drastically, endangering marine biodiversity and threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on ocean resources.
