Kelp forests power Oregon’s fisheries, sustaining rockfish, lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus), cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), abalone, and red sea urchins. Their shelter, food, and nurseries keep stocks healthy and communities thriving. #ocean #conservation #marinelife

ODFW recorded a 10,000% surge in purple sea urchin
populations along Oregon’s south coast at long-term
monitoring sites. Meanwhile, red sea urchin divers have
left historic spots like Orford Reef due to kelp loss
and reduced red urchin quality from limited food.

Kelp forests in shallow (<30m) sub‑polar and temperate waters cover 24% of our coastlines. Acting as ecosystem engineers, kelps offer shelter and food for countless marine species. #KelpForests #OceanLife

DID YOU KNOW? Oregon loses $23-$53M annually from ~70% kelp forest loss. Our team is working on urchin control, restoring sea stars, and launching #mariculture this spring. Follow for updates as we bring back this vital #ecosystem. Kelp is on the way!

#marine #conservation #ocean #climatechange

Our ORKA Status Report is out! It highlights the dramatic decline in Oregon's kelp forests from 2010-2022—73.5% statewide, with Cape Blanco losing up to 95%. This impacts ecosystems and costs millions annually. Check it out for more insights on the health of our kelp forests!

Yesterday, ORKA intern Annika Bernhardt presented her research at the CERM Symposium! Working with Dr. Sara Hamilton & Caroline Rice, she studied thresholds for healthy kelp beds & urchin removal strategies. Her work highlights how fishing can help protect Oregon's kelp forests. 🌿 #MarineScience

Team ORKA had an amazing time at the Western Society of Naturalists 105th Annual Meeting in Portland, OR! It was a fantastic opportunity to present our latest findings on kelp studies and grazer control while connecting with fellow researchers and learning from so many inspiring presentations.⁠

We did it! We’re excited to share the research our team of scientists has been working on for the last year. In this 60 page document you’ll learn how and why Oregon's kelp forests are disappearing.

REPORT: bit.ly/3Oh04Ks

#marinebiology #oceanconservation #kelpforest #oceanhealth
#climatechange

Hello @bsky.app we're so excited to join the scientific community here and share what we're doing.

A quick synopsis of the last few years:
- We lost an unprecedented number of Pycnopodia
- Purple Urchins took over and grazed through our kelp
- Over 2/3 of Oregons kelp forests have disappeared