Area of Study:  giant kelp

This project aims to assess the current status, potential threats, and future perspectives for the conservation of the kelp population of the Strait of Magellan, in Punta Arenas, Chile, focusing on their most abundant species Macrocystis pyrifera. This investigation was conducted with the support of researchers from the Laboratorio de Ecosistemas Marinos Antárticos y Subantárticos, of Universidad de Magallanes.

This kelp develops substantial roles in nature. It is a bioengineer species, that builds the physical structure and maintain the abiotic conditions for a number of living forms to inhabit it, such as invertebrates, larvae and fish. They also provide ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, cultural services (in the relationship with traditional fishermen populations), and economic services, once alginates, a sub product of this algae, is highly used in the industry.

Although the huiro populations from Punta Arenas are almost pristine, relatively protected of anthropogenic impacts, they are not out of risk. The biggest threat to the survival of these populations is the global warming, that is affecting the Subantarctic and Antarctic regions more harshly. At the same time, they can be also a solution to this same threat, once their highly efficient carbon sequestration process is a promising alternative for the mitigation of the effects of the climate change.