Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Can Kelp help?

Human activities incessantly cause and aggravate major ecological problems and show no signs of stopping. While is essential to prevent these problems from occurring, some problems are too complex and widespread to completely prevent. However, we can strive to mitigate the problem. This will lessen the adverse effects of the problem on the environment, slowing down its deterioration while efforts are made to avert the problem in its entirety.

Ocean acidification is one such complex and multi-faceted ecological problem worsened by human deeds. However, there is a likely way to mitigate this problem–kelp [1]. Kelp has properties that can lessen the effects of ocean acidification on the marine community around it. However, kelp may have greater implications and potential than hitherto known. Thus, research aimed at fully understanding these far-reaching effects of kelp and then optimizing these effects to combat ocean acidification undoubtedly deserves funding.

Acknowledging the extent of ocean acidification is critical to understanding the need for this research. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been increasing ever since the Industrial revolution, owing to various anthropogenic activities [4]. The ocean absorbs nearly one-fourth of this atmospheric carbon dioxide which is approximately 525 billion tons of CO2. This amounts to an incredible 22 million tons of CO2 every day [4]. On absorption, Co2 converts to carbonic acid leading to an increase in the acidity of the water. In the past 200 years alone, the acidity of the ocean has increased by 30% [4] and is estimated to be 150% more acidic by the turn of the century. Such drastic changes in oceanic chemistry spell doom for the stability of the marine environment and the organisms in it. 

So where does kelp come in? Kelp has been shown to substantially reduce the effects of ocean acidification by absorbing the CO2 in the water along with nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus [5]. Kelp uses these as nutrients for photosynthesis and unknowingly, purifies the water. It also gives out oxygen which betters living conditions for marine organisms around the kelp bed. Owing to the chain of events ocean acidification starts, the sole property of kelp to reduce the impacts of ocean acidification is substantially important.

Research on the far-reaching effects of kelp has several practical avenues to follow especially because it affects several levels in an eco-system. There are two examples I would like to highlight to give you a brief glimpse of the extent to which ocean acidification affects organisms. This will also bring out the why we must look into whether kelp can help mitigate these effects and to what extent can it do so.

Firstly, acidification reduces carbonate ions in the ocean, which is an important component of the shells of the pteropod among other marine organisms [2]. It partially dissolves the animal’s shell and reduces its ability to escape predators and infection [2]. It is estimated that by 2050, three-quarters of the pteropod populations will be affected [3]. Pteropods form a primary source of food for several marine organisms including salmon. Researchers say that a 10% decrease in pteropod population could result in a 20% drop in the body weight of mature salmon. Salmon in turn is eaten by orcas, seals, sea lions and even humans [3]. The exact effects on the consumers of salmon have not been determined, but it could be a potential direction of research. In this way, ocean acidification begins a domino effect that starts with pteropods and resonates throughout the food chain. How would have these events played out if we knew kelp could play a role in lessening the effects of ocean acidification? And what if we knew how to optimize kelp’s role?

Secondly, researchers found that high levels of carbon dioxide concentration interfere with the functions of GABA, a neurotransmitter which largely controls the central nervous system of fishes.  This is detrimental to a fish’s sense of sight, direction and smell. As fishes use their sense of smell to navigate their way through the reefs and around predators, CO2 exposed fish are more vulnerable. In fact, the death rates for exposed fish were five times that of non-exposed fish. [6] A separate study showed that CO2 also leads to diminutive cognitive function in pollocks. It affects their abilities to detect food sources causing reduced life spans and greater death rates. The pollock fishery industry in Northwest and West coast reels in three billion pounds of fish out of which seafood companies stand to make an incredible amount of one billion dollars annually. Dropping pollock populations significantly upset this industry and the people associated with it. Interestingly, these very fish are also used in the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. Thus, there are intricate connections between ocean acidification, fish cognition and the fish industry (and by extension, McDonald’s too). [6] The question arises again, what if we knew kelp could play a role in lessening the effects of OA? Kelp restoration beds and kelp planting are several ways kelp can be introduced to a marine eco-system where it could play a role. What if we knew how to optimize this role?

These two examples illustrate the effects of ocean acidification and the potential avenues for research in terms of how and where kelp can help. Knowing that kelp is a potential solution in mitigating ocean acidification, optimization of kelp’s usage is important to know too. This creates several questions for research to answer. For instance, what marine farming pattern should be considered while growing kelp? Where should the kelp be planted or how much should be grown per hectare to ensure maximum impact? Are there other seaweeds that can boost kelp production? There is, indeed, much to know and much to find.

In conclusion, I would just like to summarize why this research area must receive funding. Ocean acidification is a prevalent and widespread problem. The marine environment affected by it is in dire need of help. Kelp has shown promising potential to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification. Research done on this topic will yield results that can be implemented easily and immediately. Also, these results can show how to optimize kelp usage to have the greatest possible impact on the environment and the numerous affected marine organisms. Simply put, due to the need, potential and practicality of the results of this research I believe that it is a research area worth funding.


References:
1.      Roleda, Michael Y., and Catriona L. Hurd. “Seaweed Responses to Ocean Acidification.” Seaweed Biology (2012): 407–431. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-28451-9_19.
2.      Busch, D. Shallin, Michael Maher, Patricia Thibodeau, and Paul McElhany. “Shell Condition and Survival of Puget Sound Pteropods Are Impaired by Ocean Acidification Conditions.” Edited by Gretchen E. Hofmann. PLoS ONE 9, no. 8 (August 27, 2014): e105884. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0105884.

3.      Lynne Peeples. Seaweed Might Have The Power To Make The Oceans Less Acidic. Huffington Post Green. Posted 28th April, 2015, Updated 27th May, 2015. 21st November, 2015 edition. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/28/kelp-ocean-acidification-algal-blooms_n_7152362.html

4.      Ocean Acidification–Pristine Seas–National Geographic. National Geographic. Date accessed: 22nd November, 2015. http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/explore/pristine-seas/critical-issues-ocean-acidification/

5.      Help from Kelp. Office of Aquaculture. NOAA Fisheries. Date published: 23rd September, 2015. Date accessed: 22nd November, 2015. http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/aquaculture/homepage_stories/18_help_from_kelp.html

6.      Craig Welch. Sea Change–Pacific Ocean’s Perilous Change. The Seattle Times. Date accessed: 22nd November, 2015. http://apps.seattletimes.com/reports/sea-change/2013/sep/11/pacific-ocean-perilous-turn-overview/




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6 comments:

  1. Unknown28 November 2015 at 23:37

    First off, I love the title of your blog three post, it sounds so fun! Overall, I really enjoyed reading your blog post. As you so clearly articulate, ocean acidification is and will continue to be a very big problem. I had never heard about the effects of kelp on ocean acidification, which is in my mind just another reason why more research should be done! If, in fact, kelp can help then it is crucial that we invest time and money into understanding how now - while the effects of ocean acidification are still minimal. Furthermore, I find this to be even more important given the additional indirect impact that you discuss with regard to fish. Although intuitively it makes sense that increased levels of carbon dioxide will effect fish too, I was previously unaware of the specific (and clearly dramatic) effects it can have. As such, I find that this also serves well to reinforce your argument that more research both should and needs to be done!

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  2. Doğa Tekin29 November 2015 at 13:20

    Hey Jheel,

    This post is very intriguing. I also hadn't heard of kelp's role in lessening the effects of ocean acidification. In fact I think that kelp mostly receives attention for its health benefits, and most people don't know anything else about it. Ocean acidification itself is a field that could use more publicity as well. I think that you do a great job making a strong argument for why this should receive funding. You certainly explain and point out many negative effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems. The part where you discuss the domino effect is very alarming (and therefore persuasive). The paragraph where you talk about how the nervous systems of fish are affected by carbon dioxide levels is also extremely interesting. First of all, the fact that CO2 interferes with cognitive functions of fish is interesting in itself, but you also do a really good job tying that to why it matters. Overall I think you did a great job, and I agree that this research is worth more funding.

    -Doga

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  3. Unknown30 November 2015 at 11:44

    Jheel,

    It was refreshing to hear that there may be a simple solution to what has been, at least to my knowledge, an inexorable and insurmountable problem. I’m very glad that you explained in detail what ocean acidification is, what causes it, and, most importantly, why it matters to us. The McDonald’s connection was especially clever. My only question is exactly how exactly you feel that this solution could be implemented. Perhaps some specific examples of current or planned kelp farms could give better context and help me, as a reader, visualize what exact use you had in mind for the kelp once your research has been completed. In any case, you make a very strong, evidence-backed argument and do a good job of drawing attention to an area of needed ecological research.

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    Replies
    1. JS30 November 2015 at 13:47

      Hey David,

      That is an excellent question. Considering that much research has to be done on the uses of kelp, many methods have not been thought of yet. However, kelp restoration beds and kelp farms, as you have mentioned, are ways kelp has been introduced into marine eco-systems. The Puget Sound Restoration Fund, based in Washington, carries out several marine restoration projects; kelp restoration being one of them. Their project is a good example of what one can do with kelp. I haven't talked about it much in my article but have cited a research done in Puget Sound. If you are interested in knowing more about them, I think you will find this link helpful: http://www.restorationfund.org/projects/kelp

      Thank you for commenting!

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  4. Unknown1 December 2015 at 12:23

    Jheel,

    After reading this post, I am convinved that kelp can help! Your writing style is very clear and informative. Additionally, this paper holds a plethora of facts and information that support your claim. I appreciate the two examples you gave about how much ocean acidification affects organisms. I had no idea that ocean acidification could be detrimental to the neurotransmitters. You make a strong case for why this research could be funded. Good Job.

    Hadley

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  5. Unknown2 December 2015 at 04:57

    Hi Jheel,

    I just want to start by saying awesome subject, and back home there was a project where they cheaply implemented reef balls to promote the growth of things like kelp and they are working great. One really cool thing that you pointed out was that kelp absorbs co2 in the water itself which is powerful and a great point. You have a great way of presenting this topic which could have very easily been boring. I really liked the analytical communication of your topic to the reader as well. I think it is a great idea because of the potential space kelp can inhabit along with the cost of implementing it. Overall great topic and piece.

    Best,
    Jad

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