How competition between algae is transforming the gulf of Maine

New study reveals how competition between algae is transforming the Gulf of Maine

New research shows how rapidly proliferating turf algae are waging 'chemical warfare' to inhibit the recovery of kelp forests along Maine's warming coast.

How competition between algae is transforming the gulf of Maine

As the ocean warms across its temperate regions, kelp forests are collapsing and turf algae species are taking over. This shift from dense canopies of tall kelp to low-lying mats of turf algae is driving biodiversity loss and altering the flow of energy and nutrients through reef ecosystems.

'Chemical warfare' may stop Maine's degraded kelp forests from recovering, study shows

A new study offers a reason why Maine's decimated kelp forests may fail to recover: a chemical released by red algae that can kill kelp at an early stage of development. The findings suggest that helping kelp recover may be more challenging than previously thought.