Marine protected areas promote resilience of kelp forests to marine heatwaves by preserving trophic cascades
J. A. Kumagai, M. C. Goodman, J. C. Villasenor-Derbez, D. S. Schoeman, K. C. Cavanaugh, T. W. Bell, F. Micheli, G. A. De Leo, N. Arafeh-Dalmau
This study shows that fully protected marine areas in Southern California enhance kelp forest resilience to marine heatwaves through trophic cascades, but not in Central California due to differences in predator presence.
bioRxiv · Apr 10, 2024 · PreprintEcology