Ecklonia

• However, most of us are only vaguely aware of the vibrant masses of seaweed hugging the ocean shores around Earth.
• In a new study published today in Nature Communications, we have produced the first global estimate of the economic value of kelp forests – revealing they provide hundreds of billions of dollars in value to humans across the world.

A human history of kelp

• In Medieval Europe, kelp was used to fertilise soil and increase crop yields, to treat goitre, and was used to fortify building materials for centuries.
• In the 21st century kelp forests have become the main source for alginate, a common food and medical additive.
• Through their prolific productivity, kelp forests draw carbon from the atmosphere, exude oxygen, and help reduce nutrient pollution in our oceans.
• A marine marvel, hidden kelp forests spread across almost one third of our world’s coastlines and lie within 50km of 740 million people.

So, what is the ‘value’ of a kelp forest?

• A close second was the fisheries values – kelp forests support some of our most iconic fisheries, including lobster and abalone.
• This finding suggests that carbon credits may not be an economic driver of kelp conservation, but kelp forests still play an important role in the blue carbon cycle.

The future of kelp

• The battle to save our kelp forests is just getting started, and we need greater action to protect these intrinsically and economically valuable marine ecosystems.
• That is why researchers like me have started the not-for-profit Kelp Forest Alliance, and have now launched the Kelp Forest Challenge, a global call to protect and restore 4 million hectares of kelp forest by 2040.
• Read more:
  Whether you're a snorkeller or CEO, you can help save our vital kelp forests