Kelp Connecting Southern Ocean Coasts, Genomics Reveals

[krizl_soriano]

Interesting study on the movement of wild kelp populations and their role in biodiversity. 

Genomic analysis of bull kelp shows biological connections between kelp found in the eastern and western Pacific. Highlights: 

• Research emphasizes the power of genomic tools for tracking species movements and species management strategies
• Traveling "kelp rafts" can carry crustaceans, arthropods, isopods, crabs, molluscs, worms, starfish etc.
• Reveals kelp's role in species distribution across major stretches of ocean 

"Kelp and its passengers can disperse really well and reach distant land masses so are in a really good position to colonize new territory as it warms up and becomes habitable for them. It's an interesting challenge which scientists are going to have to face -- perhaps shifting away from the idea of conservation being about maintaining the status quo, and instead looking at managing the change to maximize biodiversity and ecosystem outcomes."

Full article: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220608112453.htm