The health of our people oceans he is in serious condition danger because of climate changesbut a recent study suggest a possible one solution coming from the depths of the sea itself: the sunflower starfish. Much like forests on land, underwater kelp forests play a crucial role in oxygen production and marine biodiversity. These dense aggregations of algae are vital not only for the oxygen they produce, but also for the ecosystem services they provide, such as food supply and coastal protection.
Kelp forests are among the most productive and diverse habitats on the planet, supporting rich biodiversity and various ecosystem services, valued at billions of dollars each year. However, they are undergoing global decline, threatened by pollution, global warming, and other anthropogenic activities. The situation is so serious that even invasive species such as the purple sea urchin are becoming a problem, as their numbers are increasing and they destroy the algae they feed on.
Recently, researchers from several universities Americans they discovered that the sunflower starfish (Pycnopodia helianthoides)despite being almost extinct, could be crucial to the recovery of kelp forests. These starfish, Indeedthey feed on sea urchinsthe main enemies of algae. The experiments showed that by reintroducing starfish in good physical condition, they could significantly reduce the sea urchin population, thus rebalancing the ecosystem.
Will introducing the starfish be enough?
The marine biologist Stefania Coppa warns, however, that although these discoveries are promising, if unfavorable environmental conditions persist, simply reintroduce starfish will not be enough. A global approach to combat climate change and protect our seas is essential.
What happens in the Mediterranean? The Mediterranean, although not having kelp forests, hosts other crucial underwater ecosystems. Mass death phenomena occur here too, as in the case of the Pinna nobilis, a large bivalve mollusc now almost extinct due to pathologies and environmental changes.
And you, what do you think we can do to save our precious marine ecosystems?
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