Ecosystem Services Provided by Kelp Forests of the Humboldt Current System: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Marine ecosystems such as kelp are gaining recognition for providing ecosystem services (ES) along the coastal regions worldwide. Here, we synthesize information from the last four decades of research on the structure, functioning and threats of kelp forests, and the ES they provide in the Humboldt Current System (HCS) where information is scarce. The SALSA (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis and Analysis) framework was used for the literature survey and review. From 86 selected articles, only 4 directly discussed kelp ES in Chile. Supporting services-related articles were the most prevalent (n = 59), followed by provisioning (n = 19), regulating (n = 3) and cultural services (n = 1). ES-related research was mostly conducted in Chile (n = 77). Studies in Peru (n = 5), and in Chile and Peru at same time (n = 4) were scarce. Our search also showed that Lessonia trabeculata presented the highest number of associated taxa (n = 213), followed closely by M. pyrifera (n = 210). However, the number of phyla reported was higher in M. pyrifera (n = 17) than in the Lessonia species (n = 7–13). Natural and anthropic impacts on the biodiversity of kelp forests using novel technologies would facilitate the quantitative study and economic valuations of the services provided by these ecosystems at the Humboldt Current System.

A species distribution model of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera for RCP 8.5: worldwide changes and a focus on the southeast Pacific

“…The economic losses that will accrue only forfeiting the direct exploitation of giant kelp are worrisome, but the increase when other ecosystem services are considered, e.g. 210 species are associated with the habitat (in Chile), some of which are commercial fisheries, or may act as blue carbon [120,10]. In addition, the loss of habitat suitability observed in our study may spill beyond local fishers incomes into an emerging aquaculture industry of M. pyrifera in Peru and Chile [49,121,122].…”

“…Owing to their role as ecosystem engineers (sensu Jones et al [5]) they contribute with key ecosystem services. [6,7,8,9,10].…”

Seaweed restocking along the Chilean coast: History, present, and inspiring recommendations for sustainability

“…The economic evaluation of ecosystem services and functions to the coastal environment of the new seaweeds should be considered as a relevant input during the decisionmaking process when considering implementing a large-scale restocking program (Cuba et al, 2022). The proper implementation of success indicators of restocking activities, from the individual to the ecosystem level, must include local/ geographical considerations in relation to abiotic and biotic factors, the demographics of the populations to be impacted, and the timing for achieving changes in coastal ecosystems.…”

“…The Seaweed Manifesto (Giercksky and Doumeizel, 2020) has highlighted the contribution of these organisms to several of the Sustainable Development Goals due to their contributions as a source of quality food for human populations (food security) and their role in carbon capture and the mitigation of the consequences of ocean acidification (climate change mitigation). They are key organisms for the maintenance of coastal marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation and are a relevant factor for facilitating coastal community resilience (Wernberg et al, 2019;Morris et al, 2020;Hynes et al, 2021;Cai et al, 2021a;Cuba et al, 2022;Earp et al, 2022).…”

First mesophotic Ecklonia radiata (Laminariales) records within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park marine-protected area, east coast, South Africa

“…Kelps are a widely studied group of macroalgae that are important components of marine ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various species and serving as keystone species in kelp forests (Teagle et al, 2017). Apart from these ecological functions, kelp provides important economic value such as raw material for a variety of industries, including those that produce pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, fertilizers, and culinary products (Beaumont et al, 2008;Cuba et al, 2022;Eger et al, 2023). Kelp forests belonging to the Order Laminariales are found in temperate, subtropical, and subpolar marine systems (Graham et al, 2007).…”