Researchers at the University of Virginia and UCSB have concluded in a study that increased storm frequency could dramatically alter ratios and types of sea life that live along the California coast. The researches arrived to this conclusion by examining 200 specimens in the California coast over a nine year period. The researchers found that during severe winters smaller invertebrates doubled while there were 30-61% less fish and shellfish. Furthermore the study found that the number of disturbances was most impactful as frequent disturbances suppress the regrowth of giant kelp.
This article is very disturbing. Kelp are the major habitat on the California coasts. It is known that storms can cause kelp to become detached from the substrate. Each kelp organism is a home for hundreds of organisms, from brittle stars in the holdfasts to sea urchins feeding on the leaves. Therefore less Kelp can lead to an intense drop in these organisms. Furthermore the increase in invertebrates is logical because with less Kelp attached to the substrate there is more room for these benthic creatures. This is a major problem and it has to be fixed, and the root of the problem is the changing climate causing more frequent storms.
Do you think that these severe winters could be a result of global warming/ climate change? It a reality that fish are dying due to the harsh winters/ storms, but we should also realize that it is also out fault. We should be more cautious with the materials we release into the atmosphere and what gasses are being produced.
I am almost certain that these severe storms are a result of global warming
It’s very heartbreaking to hear how storm frequency could alter sea life California coast. Is there a way we could move these sea animals elsewhere or even influence the climate?
Moving animals should not be our first solution. fixing the main problem should come first
Its exciting to hear about ll the effort that is going into this clean up project as a lot of times environmental projects have a hard time getting funding. How is this group getting the money to do this clean up? ARe they going to work on other environmental projects or is it a private event?