Although the Kelp Forests off the coast of California have been declining dramatically, sea otters have played a big role in keeping some patches healthy. Although some of the kelp forest decline is written-off to the continued warming of the ocean, a u.c.s.c. Study has showed that sea urchins are also devouring large quantities of Kelp. The Sea Urchin population bloomed when the large sea star known as the “Sunflower Star” disappeared (because Sunflower Stars used to eat Sea Urchins)…..so now Sea Otters are working to take up the slack, and keep the Sea Urchin population in-check.
Sustaining Kelp Forests is not only essential for sea life (because they act as a nursery for all kinds of aquatic life), but for the local economy as well.
