More than 230 scientists from 18 countries have signed a letter calling for the urgent protection of kelp forests in Latin America. The document highlights the need to protect 30% of these ecosystems, establish protection figures for species threatened by overexploitation and the climate crisis, and safeguard the most resilient and persistent forests, through strategic policy measures at national and international levels.

 

This initiative gained momentum after the first meeting of macroalgae mappers in Spanish, held in Punta Arenas last April, organized by the Center for Dynamic Research of High Latitude Marine Ecosystems (IDEAL) of the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh).

 

Alejandra Mora, a geographer from the University of Oxford and author of the first world map of macroalgae forests, says global warming is having a major impact on these ecosystems, especially in areas close to the equator. “These ecosystems thrive in temperate and cold waters. The increase in temperature generates thermal stress in the algae, which impedes their reproduction, stops their growth and, finally, makes them vulnerable to being devoured or invaded by other species better adapted to warmer waters, with no possibility of recovery."

 

Mora add that places such as California, Mexico and Australia are undergoing significant changes: “These areas are becoming empty spaces, dominated by sea urchins, creating true deserts under the sea."

 

The letter, published in Science magazine earlier this month, was made possible thanks to the efforts of Dr. Nur Arafeh-Dalmau, from Stanford University. Mauricio Palacios, a researcher at Centro IDEAL and co-author of the letter, said: “We were very surprised that this letter, written from the end of the world, where the most prosperous kelp forests of the planet are found, has managed to summon scientists from the five continents, many of them world renowned in the study of the oceans." Among the signatories are leading researchers such as Dr. Sylvia Earle (Mission Blue), Dr. Paul Dayton (University of California) and Dr. Enric Sala (National Geographic).

 

The letter highlights that, although most countries have committed to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, only 2.9% of the ocean is protected under Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are essential for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Given this reality, it calls for integrating the protection of 30% of kelp forests into environmental policies by 2030, aligning with the global 30x30 target, which seeks to safeguard 30% of oceans, waters and lands by that year.

 

About 35% of floating kelp forests are found in the waters of Latin American countries. On the coasts of Chile, for example, the main threats come from the illegal harvesting of these species.

 

Globally, macroalgae forests support between 70% and 80% of fisheries, and in Chile they are fundamental for the sustainability of emblematic fisheries such as spider crabs, spider crabs, red sea urchins and southern oysters, especially in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic region.

 

The prominent phycologist and specialist in algae taxonomy, María Eliana Ramírez, highlights the importance of working hand in hand with fishermen and local communities to reverse the degradation of marine ecosystems. “We are moving from the paradigm of extracting resources to that of restoring, caring for and conserving ecosystems. This change has promoted a rapprochement between academia and artisanal fishermen, who have welcomed this collaboration, as they have been shown concrete results and their experience is valued,” says Ramírez.

 

The expert underscores the benefits of this joint work and the willingness of families who depend on marine resources. “They know that, by taking care of the kelp forests, they are also ensuring their own well-being. They recognize that these ecosystems are essential to the local economy, and they understand that if they are not conserved, they will have no resources in the future,” said Ramírez.

 

For his part, Palacios points out that, although Chile has several protected coastal areas under the Multiple Use Coastal Marine Protected Areas (MCPMAs) regime, he says “most of these areas lack effective management. In many cases, they have no or no updated management plans, and the available funding is insufficient."

 

Nevertheless, in 2022 a significant advance in the protection of kelp forests was achieved when Chile's Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA) established a ban on the extraction of huiro (Macrocystis pyrifera). Initially, it was decreed for two years, but recently, in October 2024, it was renewed and extended for ten more years, which represents an important step for the protection and recovery of these valuable ecosystems.

 

“If terrestrial forests are crucial because they are the main source of energy for terrestrial ecosystems, kelp forests in the sea serve a similar function in the marine realm. These algae, which constitute the largest biomass in the oceans, are the energy gateway for marine life. Like terrestrial forests, algae photosynthesize and produce oxygen, sustaining the rich biodiversity that inhabits the oceans. This has a direct impact on terrestrial life,” explains Ramírez.

 

These forests form enormous columns of up to 8 meters underwater, teeming with diverse forms of life. José Luis Kappes, a marine biologist, points out that “kelp forests are true “architects" of the marine landscape, creating vital spaces for many species, which find refuge and protection, and where they can reproduce and spawn. They also provide a fundamental source of food."

 

The biologist stresses the crucial role of seaweed in the fight against climate change and ocean acidification, a phenomenon caused by excess carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed from the atmosphere. “Algae capture CO2 and produce oxygen, functioning in a similar way to terrestrial forests, but in the sea. They also act as bioremediators, extracting nutrients from the water for growth and helping to filter excess nutrients, which improves water quality,” he says.

 

Beyond their environmental benefits, Chile's kelp forests attract many tourists, especially for diving. “Aesthetically, they are impressive: huge structures full of life, whose shape varies, creating unique seascapes,” says Kappes.

 

Chilean geographer Alejandra Mora agrees, and adds that kelp forests "are like cathedrals in the sea, with an atmosphere of warmth and calm. Their beauty attracts many tourists to dive, as they are rare compared to other parts of the ocean. It is wonderful to dive, explore them and admire their environment."