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The Purple Sea Creature Destroying Pacific Kelp Forests

Provided by: Oregon Public Broadcasting |Published on: May 26, 2023
Articles/Websites Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

  • This video and article describe how increases in purple sea urchin populations are threatening important kelp forest habitat on the Oregon coast but that we can help bring the ecosystem back into balance.
  • An imbalance in the ecosystem due to a decline in sea urchin predators is resulting in a population explosion, decimating their prey, seaweed, in kelp forests.
  • Chefs and cooks in Oregon can play a part in rebalancing the kelp forest ecosystem by utilizing purple sea urchin in their recipes.

Related Teaching Resources
Subjects: Biology, English Language Arts
Authors: Francisca Benitez
Region: North America, USA - West, United States, Global, Oregon, Oregon Coast
Languages: English

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