urchin population surge off southern Oregon's coast depletes kelp forests, reducing gray whales' primary prey, zooplankton.
A surge in purple sea urchin populations off southern Oregon's coast has negatively impacted gray whales by reducing their primary prey, zooplankton. Researchers at Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute found that rising urchin numbers cause kelp forest depletion, leading to reduced zooplankton populations. Consequently, gray whales spend less time foraging in these areas, facing indirect ecosystem changes.
May 21, 2024
6 Articles