Scientists discover forest of endangered tropical kelp off Galapagos coast

Scientists from the San Jose State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara have discovered a forest of previously endangered or possibly extinct species of kelp in deep waters off the coast of Galapagos Islands.

Washington, Sept 27 : Scientists from the San Jose State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara have discovered a forest of previously endangered or possibly extinct species of kelp in deep waters off the coast of Galapagos Islands.

UC Santa Barbara researcher Brian Kinlan and associate Prof. Michael Graham at SJSU began their study by developing a mathematical model designed to predict the likely habitat for the kelp, Eisenia galapagensis.

The calculations were based on information from satellites and oceanographic instruments on conditions including light, depth and nutrient availability.

The research team tested the model by travelling to the predicted habitat, where they searched for the kelp.

Scuba divers, including students from CSU Monterey Bay, CSU East Bay and UC Davis, found the kelp forests from 40 to 200 feet below the surface, making the mission a success.

The authors say the discovery has important implications for biodiversity and the resilience of tropical marine systems to climate change.

Recently, the World Conservation Union had added Eisenia galapagensis to its global database of threatened species, and it might soon reconsider that decision.

The other implication is that the model could help in finding other marine life presumed endangered or rare, but actually hidden beneath the ocean's surface.

Finally, the model has shown that marine diversity is more tolerant of climate change than previously assumed, the researchers said.

They said the model also identified nearly 10,000 square miles of similar unexpected cold spots in deep tropical waters worldwide.

"The ecosystems that form in these cold, deep pockets beneath warm tropical waters look more like their cousins in California than the tropical reefs just 200 feet above. It is very similar to what we see when we climb a high mountain. For example, high alpine country in California looks more like Alaska," said Kinlan.

The research paper is published in this week's online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

ANI