Kelp forests provide myriad benefits to nature and people in oceans around the world. They form the backbone of the ecosystems in which they are found, providing habitat and food for thousands of species. However, recent research suggests changing ocean conditions including marine heatwaves linked to climate change have led to the loss of kelp in many regions around the world, specifically the U.S. west coast off parts of California, with further declines anticipated in response to ocean warming.
