Brianna Sciuto

To what extent does the presence of kelp forests mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic ecological threats in the region, such as ocean acidification and nutrient runoff?

Started Mar. 15, 2024

Abstract or project description

Harmful human activity poses a significant threat to oceanic health around the world. Anthropogenic climate change, ocean acidification and warming, and pollution interfere with ecosystems and put wildlife in danger. It is critical that we understand the consequences of these threats on the stability and health of marine ecosystems so as to inform future endeavors in preservation and regeneration.

Specifically, I intend on researching the contributions of giant kelp forests to the stability and health of marine regions within Monterey Bay. I will be quantifying the impacts of kelp forests on oceanic health as measured by the water’s temperature as well as levels of nitrates, phosphates, dissolved oxygen, and pH.

Nitrate and phosphate levels will indicate the kelp’s impact on nutrient absorption, dissolved oxygen will help to measure the kelp’s mitigation of oceanic deoxygenation, and pH will indicate the levels of carbonic acid present in the region, which can signify the extent to which kelp forests reduce the impacts of ocean acidification.

I intend on conducting these tests several times over the course of 2 months in 2 separate kelp forests. I will establish data collection sites in the center of the kelp forest, on the edge, and at a control region at least 25 feet outside of the kelp forest. I will then collect samples at the respective collection sites from the surface, at 20 feet depth, and at 40 feet depth. Once samples are on shore, I will conduct the aforementioned physiochemical tests in triplicate. At the end of the 2-month period, I will compile and present all of the data in a research paper, which will be supplemented by research from other academic sources.