Kelp forests, vital for marine life, face threats from rising ocean temperatures. When kelp forests decline, turf algae can dominate reefs. Research published in Science by Farrell et al. (2025) uncovers a feedback loop sustaining turf algae dominance.
Researchers sampled water and seaweed off the coast of Maine, United States. They compared kelp-dominated reefs in cooler northern waters to turf algae-dominated reefs in warming southern regions. Chemical analysis revealed significant differences in the composition of the two reef types.
Remarkably, turf algae release compounds that disrupt the early life stages of kelp. This hinders the recovery of kelp forests. The study suggests restoration efforts should address both ocean warming and the chemical shifts that reinforce algal dominance.