A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology has found that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a crucial role in helping kelp forests bounce back after extreme marine heat waves, particularly along California’s coastline.

The research, conducted by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), analyzed nearly four decades of satellite imagery, from 1984 to 2022, to analyze how MPAs affect kelp forest health. The findings highlight that while MPAs provide some benefits in general, their true value becomes especially clear after periods of environmental stress, such as the intense marine heat waves recorded between 2014 and 2016.

Lead author Emelly Ortiz-Villa explained, “We discovered that kelp forests inside MPAs showed improved recovery after significant climate disturbances when compared to similar unprotected regions.” The recovery was most notable in southern California, where MPAs helped kelp rebound faster than in areas without protection.

Why MPAs Matter for Kelp Resilience

The study points out that MPAs, where fishing is restricted and key predators like lobsters and sheephead are safeguarded, promote stronger kelp regrowth. By maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, MPAs reduce the overpopulation of kelp grazers, such as sea urchins, which can devastate these forests if left unchecked.

Professor Rick Stafford, a marine ecologist not involved in the study, commented on the significance of the findings: “It’s encouraging to see these results, which clearly indicate that local actions can help mitigate global pressures like climate change.”

Kelp forests are among the most important ecosystems in temperate oceans worldwide. They provide habitat for countless marine species, protect shorelines from erosion, and absorb large amounts of carbon, making them vital allies in the fight against climate change. However, these underwater forests face increasing threats from rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and increased predation.

Senior author Kyle Cavanaugh emphasized the challenge, noting, “Kelp forests are remarkably resilient to individual stressors, but multiple stressors can impede their recovery.”

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The Bigger Picture: Global Conservation Goals

MPAs vary in their levels of protection. Some are strict “no-take” zones that prohibit fishing and other extractive activities, while others have weaker regulations that may allow harmful practices to continue. The study suggests that well-managed MPAs are essential for enhancing ecosystem resilience and can play a role in achieving international biodiversity targets.

In particular, the research aligns with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect at least 30% of global land and ocean areas by 2030. Effective MPAs could become important benchmarks for assessing ecological health and climate resilience as nations work toward these conservation milestones.

Monitoring and Next Steps

The UCLA team compared kelp recovery across 54 MPAs and similar unprotected reference sites. While the overall trend showed greater resilience inside MPAs, results varied depending on location, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and further research.

“On average, kelp within MPAs showed better recovery than in the reference sites,” said Cavanaugh.

The findings underscore the importance of strengthening MPAs and expanding protections in vulnerable regions. With climate change expected to bring more frequent and severe marine heat waves, MPAs may serve as vital refuges that help preserve biodiversity, support fisheries, and sustain the ecological services that coastal communities rely on.

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