PROJECT HIGHLIGHT:
This project's researchers have developed a new model that will help develop strategies for effectively restoring kelp forests. The goal is to consider the ecological, socio-economic, and environmental uncertainties of this process, yielding strategies that promote the restoration of the kelp forest and revitalize local coastal economies.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Kelp forests provide important habitats and nursery grounds for a variety of marine species. However, stressors, including marine heatwaves and increases in the purple urchin population, have caused the bull kelp forests off the coast of Northern California to decline to only 10 percent of their previous size. This has led to major economic losses due to decreased tourism and commercial fisheries, and the potential loss of the cultural heritage of tribal communities. Previous studies have addressed resource management and conservation, but lack an integrated framework for managing and restoring degraded habitats, incorporating the biological dynamics of kelp forests, the economic benefits to coastal economies from kelp restoration, and the environmental shocks impacting kelp forests.
The researchers have developed an updated numerical model that characterizes the interaction between kelp and urchins and factors in the uncertainties surrounding marine heat waves. Using this model, preliminary results were developed by considering varied marine heatwave scenarios. The end goal is to explore strategies that balance long-run tradeoffs -- and ultimately to identify ideal pathways for balancing short-run restoration costs and long-run profits.
The outcomes of this research will provide a quantitative reference for management agencies to create restoration strategies that balance short-term investment with the long-term benefit of coastal economies through restored kelp forests. Ultimately, this research will help promote the economic capacity, sustainability, and resiliency of local coastal communities in Northern California.
Community Mentor: Kristen Elsmore (California Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Marissa Baskett