Salish Sea Kelp Forests Disappear Due to Ocean Warming, Affecting Local Communities
The Salish Sea, once home to thriving kelp forests, has seen a dramatic decline in these underwater ecosystems due to long-term ocean warming. Historical data and recent surveys by researchers, including Brian Timmer, reveal that the kelp forests have largely disappeared since the late 1970s, coinciding with a significant shift in Pacific Ocean climate. The loss of kelp forests has impacted local communities, such as the Penelakut Tribe, who rely on these ecosystems for food and cultural practices. Restoration efforts are underway, with scientists replanting kelp to help strengthen coastal ecosystems. 
