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alp227

(31,959 posts)
Thu Sep 13, 2012, 12:03 AM Sep 2012

Study: Sea otters' role in kelp forest health could aid in global warming prevention

Monterey Bay's main mascot may turn out to be a secret agent in the fight against climate change.

It has long been known that sea otters, nursed back from brink of extinction in the past several decades, provide huge benefits for the vitality of undersea kelp forests. But a pair of UCSC scientists recently found that those benefits extend into the atmosphere, finding a strong connection between otters, kelp and global warming.

"We just looked at the question, 'Does it matter?'" said James Estes, a UCSC biologist. "And the answer was yes."

In a paper published in the October issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Estes and UCSC environmental studies professor Chris Wilmers found that if otters covered the globe, the resulting growth in kelp forests would strip 10 percent of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

full: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/nationalbreaking/ci_21528927/study-sea-otters-role-kelp-forest-health-could

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Study: Sea otters' role in kelp forest health could aid in global warming prevention (Original Post) alp227 Sep 2012 OP
Time for those who advocate culling them to take a second look. This is life incresaing life. Good. freshwest Sep 2012 #1
Just another important predator in the ecosystem. kestrel91316 Sep 2012 #2
I am for anything that preserves those cuties. longship Sep 2012 #3
or, Bounties rise on otter pelts Hestia Sep 2012 #4
Clearly, we should cover the globe with otters. harmonicon Sep 2012 #5
Less shellfish maybe. Peepsite Sep 2012 #6
Shellfish makes me sick anyway. (nt) harmonicon Sep 2012 #7
It's refreashing to see Global Warming defacto7 Sep 2012 #8

longship

(40,416 posts)
3. I am for anything that preserves those cuties.
Thu Sep 13, 2012, 01:10 AM
Sep 2012

Especially if it helps global climate. All the more reason.

21st Century headline: US West Coast Crushed by Massive Otter Incursions

defacto7

(13,485 posts)
8. It's refreashing to see Global Warming
Fri Sep 14, 2012, 01:26 AM
Sep 2012

on a science forum where it's seriously considered science and not trolled over by denialists.
I'm regular on the phys.org site and in there lies madness.

Beautiful creatures, Sea Otters. May they have the support they need to continue to be climates helpers.

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