Macroalgal Shifts Amid Rising Temperatures in Southern California
Key details Recent studies have documented significant transformations in macroalgal communities within southern California’s kelp forests, particularly during episodes of marine heatwaves. As ocean temperatures rise, species composition has changed markedly, affecting both biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. While traditional kelp species like Macrocystis pyrifera, commonly known as giant kelp, have experienced declines, opportunistic species such…
