Coastal and marine ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastlines, regulate climate, and sustain the livelihoods and cultures of billions of people. Yet climate change and increasing human pressures are rapidly transforming these environments. Our work combines natural and social sciences to better understand these changes and develop effective, equitable solutions for resilient marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
A new study warns that expanding kelp farming is not automatically sustainable. Although it is often promoted as a climate solution, large or poorly planned farms may damage seafloor habitats, alter wild kelp genetics, compete for nutrients, and struggle as ocean temperatures rise. The authors call for climate-adaptive management, ecological safeguards, and Indigenous and coastal leadership.
