Dive into a Changing Ecosystem: From Lush Kelp Forests to Urchin Barrens

Mar 11, 2021  1800 - 1930

(GMT -7:00) Pacific Time

Event URL:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1182517471088080143?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery
Cost:  Free

Tucked along California's coast is a vibrant underwater forest of towering kelp and diverse wildlife. In the last six years, unprecedented outbreaks of purple sea urchins have decimated kelp forests within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, lending several questions: what caused the urchin outbreak? How have sea otters responded? Will intervention and urchin culling enhance kelp recovery? Through underwater photography and observations by Kate Vylet, a scientific discussion by Josh Smith, and a policy overview by Karen Grimmer, this talk will outline how science, art, and community observation intersect to inform the path forward.

This presentation will be hosted by Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and O'Neill Sea Odyssey.