Kelp forests, also known as seaweed forests, play a much larger role in mitigating climate change than previously thought.
Recent studies have shown that these underwater forests can sequester and store significant amounts of carbon, helping to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Here are some ways in which kelp forests contribute to mitigating climate change:
Carbon storage: Seaweed absorbs CO2 from the water during photosynthesis and stores this carbon in its biomass. This process helps to lower the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, making a significant contribution to combating global warming.
Biodiversity and ecosystem services: Kelp forests provide habitats and food for a wide range of marine species, contributing to biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems are better able to sequester carbon and are more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Coastal protection: Kelp forests reduce the impact of waves and storms on coastlines, decreasing erosion and protecting coastal areas. This can reduce the need for artificial coastal defenses and preserve the natural carbon storage in coastal ecosystems.
Aquaculture and sustainable economy: Seaweed can be sustainably cultivated for use in food, animal feed, biofuels, and other products. These practices can contribute to a circular economy and reduce pressure on land-based resources.
The role of kelp forests in the carbon cycle and climate regulation highlights the importance of protecting and restoring these marine ecosystems. By preserving and expanding kelp forests, we can deploy a natural and effective solution in the fight against climate change.
About author
Daan van Dijken
Ten years ago, I started setting up a freshwater aquarium. Since then, I always have been fascinated by the underwater world. Together with my wife, we have been fortunate to discover this on many beautiful journeys and explored the magnificent underwater world through diving. In 2023, we have started a 60-liter saltwater aquarium. Soon, we realized that we wanted to further expand our saltwater aquarium hobby, so we switched to a Red Sea Peninsula 650. It's a fantastic aquarium that brings daily joy to me, my wife, and our daughter. I enjoy keeping up with the latest developments in the saltwater world and love exploring how to make my tank even smarter and easier to maintain. As a newcome, I would like to share all my experiences in setting up a saltwater aquarium with you!
About author
Stefan van Beek
Salt has always run in my blood. From birth, aquariums surrounded me, first at my grandfather's and later at my parents’ place. Now, at the age of 30, I've been able to set up my dream tank, a 160x70x70 peninsula. Corals hold the second spot for me; fish and the entire ecosystem are the reasons I have an aquarium. Nearly a decade ago, I started with my first aquarium, making plenty of mistakes and learning a great deal from them. Since 2021, I've been working at Ocean&Lake in the Netherlands, where I am now fully responsible for the saltwater department.