This vital part of the sea is in deep trouble. We must save what's left

This article highlights that warming oceans threaten kelp forests and coral reefs. A NOAA-led study involving 30 institutions reports heat uptake last year reached a record level, with scientists predicting a record El Niño this year that could reshape global weather patterns. A marine heatwave now stretches from Micronesia to coastal California.

Warming events can lift regional water temperatures by 4 to 8 degrees Celsius, fueling habitat loss and widespread bleaching. In 2025, about 84% of the world's coral reefs were bleached, while cold-water kelp forests have declined by more than 50% since the mid-20th century. Kelp supports key fisheries and oxygen production, underscoring its economic and ecological value.