Introduction
The Kelp forests of Alaska are home to several different
species of marine life. From sea urchins and fish, to sea otters and whales. All
of them rely on the kelp forests for a place to live, a steady food source and protection
from predators.
Alaskan Kelp Forest Ecosystem
Kelp forests have a greater variety and higher diversity of plants and animals than almost any other ocean community. Kelp forests grow on rocky shore lines where light can pass through the water in order for the plants to synthesize. The kelp stores the obtained energy from photosynthesis in the cell wall 'Algen', which is a compound that's heavily used in the cosmetic and food industry. Because of this, there is a large market in collecting and harvesting the kelp from these forests.
Another threat to the ecosystem of the Alaskan Kelp forest other than over harvesting, is the population of sea otters and sea urchins. Both species play important roles in keeping the ecosystem stable and balanced. Sea urchins graze on the kelp, and if the populations of these sea urchins becomes too high, they may essentially drive the forests out of existence. Sea otters prey on the sea urchins and keep their numbers under control. But recently there has been a diminish in the amount of sea otters living in the Alaskan kelp forests due to Human impact and human activities.
There is limited documentation on what the Alaskan Kelp forests ecosystem was like 100 years ago. Only recently have scientists been studying and researching about this ecosystem, but we can make an assumption that the state of the kelp forests where more nourished and healthy before they became effected by humans and their actions.
Another threat to the ecosystem of the Alaskan Kelp forest other than over harvesting, is the population of sea otters and sea urchins. Both species play important roles in keeping the ecosystem stable and balanced. Sea urchins graze on the kelp, and if the populations of these sea urchins becomes too high, they may essentially drive the forests out of existence. Sea otters prey on the sea urchins and keep their numbers under control. But recently there has been a diminish in the amount of sea otters living in the Alaskan kelp forests due to Human impact and human activities.
There is limited documentation on what the Alaskan Kelp forests ecosystem was like 100 years ago. Only recently have scientists been studying and researching about this ecosystem, but we can make an assumption that the state of the kelp forests where more nourished and healthy before they became effected by humans and their actions.
Effect on Biodiversity
If the Alaskan Kelp Forests become inhabitable, many species of marine animal and plant life will suffer. Fish, Crustaceans, even whales will all struggle to survive if the kelp forests fail to give them the food, shelter and safety that they need. This will result in the biodiversity of the kelp forests to decrease and numerous species of marine animals may become endangered and possibly even go extinct.
Climate Change
In order for Kelp forests to grow, the conditions in the water need to be cold and nutrient, where the temperature stays between 10-15 degrees. Due to climate change and global warming, the temperatures in our oceans are rising. If these temperatures continue to increase, it will negatively effect the kelp forests and ultimately endanger their survival.
Human activities are major contributors to global warming. Certain human activities are causing some greenhouse gases (heat-trapping gases), such as carbon dioxide, to build up in the atmosphere. When we burn fossil fuels (gasoline, oil, coal or natural gas), more carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. Forest destruction and agriculture also release greenhouse which cause an increase in the earth's temperature.
Human activities are major contributors to global warming. Certain human activities are causing some greenhouse gases (heat-trapping gases), such as carbon dioxide, to build up in the atmosphere. When we burn fossil fuels (gasoline, oil, coal or natural gas), more carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. Forest destruction and agriculture also release greenhouse which cause an increase in the earth's temperature.
Course of action
There are multiple ways that we can contribute to helping save this ecosystem. We can donate to website's and organisations that spread awareness about the endangerment of the Alaskan Kelp forests. We can also do our own part, by refraining from buying cosmetics and food products that contain Algen. We can also try to be more Eco-friendly in regards to our waste and sewage disposal, as well as our carbon foot print.
Bibliography
Kelp Forests 2015, N.S, accessed 22 June 2015, <http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/kelpforest.html>.
Kelp Forests Backround Information 2015, National Park Service, accessed 17 June 2015, <http://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/education/kelp-forest-background.htm>.
Kelp Description 2015, National Marine Sanctuaries, accessed 17 June 2015, <http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/ecosystems/kelpdesc.html>.
Ocean, T 2014, The Giant Kelp Forest, online video, 7 July, accessed 20 June 2015, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Qj_LCae8A>.
Kelp Forests Backround Information 2015, National Park Service, accessed 17 June 2015, <http://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/education/kelp-forest-background.htm>.
Kelp Description 2015, National Marine Sanctuaries, accessed 17 June 2015, <http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/ecosystems/kelpdesc.html>.
Ocean, T 2014, The Giant Kelp Forest, online video, 7 July, accessed 20 June 2015, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Qj_LCae8A>.