Contributor: The planet's other forest crisis - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by David Helvarg

February 19, 2026

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The decline of California’s kelp forests, once vibrant underwater ecosystems, has reached a critical point due to marine heatwaves linked to climate change. Since the 2013-2017 marine heatwave, these kelp forests have shown minimal recovery despite extensive restoration efforts by scientists, fishermen, and conservationists. The problem is not isolated to California—kelp loss is occurring globally, from Tasmania to Norway, with some areas losing up to 80% of their kelp. This crisis mirrors the growing intensity of land-based wildfires, both exacerbated by rising global temperatures fueled by fossil fuel emissions. Kelp forests are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, comparable in area to the Amazon rainforest and generating $500 billion annually through industries like seafood production, cosmetics, and coastal erosion prevention. These underwater forests also play a crucial role in oxygen production and carbon sequestration, contributing more than the Amazon basin. Their decline poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity, affecting over 1,000 species that rely on them, including salmon, cod, and whales. The root cause of this crisis is rising ocean temperatures, with 2025 marking the hottest year on record for the oceans. Marine heatwaves have increased in frequency and intensity, raising regional water temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit—enough to disrupt entire ecosystems. While kelp is naturally resilient, growing up to two feet a day, its recovery is being outpaced by the rapid decline caused by these extreme events. Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. Localized restoration efforts have shown success in areas like Southern California’s Palos Verdes, where divers culled overgrown urchin populations, leading to the regeneration of 80 acres of kelp forest. Citizen-led initiatives in

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/19/2026