Research Shows Growing Kelp Helps Reduce Ocean Acidification
Researchers at Stony Brook University in southeastern New York say their studies show that the presence of kelp, already recognized as a nutritious food source for people and marine life, significantly reduces ocean acidification, which is a result of climate change.
The study, led by Christopher Gobler and scientists at the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, also demonstrated that deployment of kelp on an oyster farm nullifies ocean acidification, thereby protecting bivalves such as oysters and clams.
Researchers said the process may also have additional ecosystem and aquaculture benefits, including sequestration and extraction of carbon and nitrogen, and protection against harmful algae blooms.
Overall, researchers said “the cultivation of kelp...