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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.

Subjects: Biology, English Language Arts

Authors: Francisca Benitez

Region: North America, USA - West, United States, Global, Oregon, Oregon Coast

Languages: English

Positives

This video shows a creative, non-scientific solution to an ecological problem by highlighting chefs who are combating an invasive species through their cuisine.
Many students may connect to the notion that individuals can have an impact on local ecosystems simply by what they choose to eat, purchase, or where they choose to recreate.

Additional Prerequisites

Learners should be familiar with invasive species and the cascading impacts they can have on ecosystems.
The video and article are complimentary to each other and reinforce the same concepts of ecosystem imbalance and solutions to ecological issues.

Differentiation

Before watching the video and reading the article, ask students if they think that chefs can help combat climate change and improve ecosystems.
Have students research other creative solutions to reduce invasive species populations, such as fishing competitions for lionfish and cooking competitions utilizing invasive carp.
Encourage students to research sustainable seafood sourcing and encourage them to order sustainably caught seafood or uni next time they dine out.
Have students dig deeper on the reasons behind the decline of sea otters and sunflower sea stars in the Pacific Northwest and share their findings with the class.
This article and video touch on many ecological topics such as population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, trophic cascades, invasive species, human activity, and habitat loss.

Scientist Notes

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Resource Type and Format