Are There Forests in the Sea?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Marine forests, whether formed by corals, mangroves, or seaweeds, are essential components of the marine environment. They provide critical habitats, support biodiversity, and contribute to ecological processes. Understanding and protecting these underwater forests is crucial for maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. As research continues to uncover the complexities and significance of marine forests, it is imperative to implement effective conservation strategies to safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations.

When we think of forests, we typically envision vast expanses of trees on land. However, the concept of forests extends beyond terrestrial boundaries into the marine environment. These underwater forests, often referred to as “marine animal forests” or “marine forests,” are complex ecosystems that play crucial roles in marine biodiversity and ecological processes. This article explores the existence and significance of these marine forests, drawing on recent scientific research.

Marine Animal Forests

Marine animal forests are three-dimensional structures formed by sessile suspension feeders such as sponges, corals, and bivalves. These communities provide architectural complexity and shelter for various marine species, much like terrestrial forests do on land. The term “animal forests” has been introduced to describe these communities, emphasizing their structural and functional similarities to terrestrial forests1. Tropical coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” are among the most well-known examples of marine animal forests due to their high biodiversity1.

Types of Marine Forests

Coral Forests

Coral forests, including both tropical and cold-water corals, are significant components of marine animal forests. These ecosystems are essential for ecosystem functioning, fisheries sustainability, and potential carbon sinks in deep benthic ecosystems1. For instance, the pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa forms coral forests at mesophotic depths in the Mediterranean Sea, providing habitats for species of conservation interest and high commercial value3.

Mangrove Forests

Mangrove forests are another type of marine forest found in coastal regions. These forests can keep pace with sea-level rise through vertical accretion of sediments, maintaining suitable soil elevations for plant growth. However, declining sediment delivery due to anthropogenic activities poses a threat to their sustainability2. Mangroves also play a crucial role in carbon cycling and storage, contributing significantly to coastal sediment carbon storage and export9.

Seaweed Forests

Seascapes dominated by large, structurally complex seaweeds, such as kelp forests, are also considered marine forests. These ecosystems are under increasing pressure from human activities, and consistent terminology is essential for effective communication and management strategies10. Seaweed forests provide numerous ecosystem services, including habitat for marine species and protection against coastal erosion8.

Ecological Importance

Marine forests are vital for maintaining marine biodiversity and ecological balance. They enhance substrate complexity, create numerous ecological niches, and serve as biodiversity hotspots6. For example, the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata shapes marine animal forests in the Mediterranean Sea, promoting bioconstruction processes and increasing the resilience of benthic assemblages7.

Threats and Conservation

Despite their importance, marine forests face numerous threats from natural and human pressures. Anthropogenic impacts, such as fishing activities, anchorages, and scuba diving, can cause significant damage to these ecosystems7. Additionally, climate change and sea-level rise pose long-term threats to the sustainability of marine forests2 8. Effective management and conservation measures are necessary to protect these fragile ecosystems and ensure their persistence.

Are there forests in the sea?

Lars Hein has answered Likely

An expert from Wageningen University and Research Centre in Environmental Science

There are kelp forests, i.e. forests made up of seaweeds. These are beautiful, with kelp stands reaching heights of several dozen meters in some locations. Some people call these ‘forests’.

Are there forests in the sea?

Bill Laurance has answered Likely

An expert from James Cook University in Conservation Science, Ecology

Well, yes, if you consider things like kelp forests.

Are there forests in the sea?

David Lindenmayer has answered Likely

An expert from Australian National University in Conservation Science, Ecology

Yes – kelp forests such as in California, Southern Africa and temperate Australian waters.

Are there forests in the sea?

Are there forests in the sea?

Mark Huxham has answered Likely

An expert from Napier University in Environmental Science

Yes there are. Mangrove forests consist of woody species (trees and shrubs) that are able to tolerate salinity and other stresses that come from growing in the intertidal zone, so at high tide these forests are indeed in the sea. There are around 70 species of mangrove globally, growing in tropical and sub-tropical zones. Although mangroves make up only 0.7% of the tropical forest cover in the world, they are disproportionately important for nature and for people. They perform many of the same functions as terrestrial forests – such as producing timber, medicines and homes for birds and other fauna. In addition, they act as marine habitats, providing nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans and protecting shorelines from erosion. They are one of the most powerful of all natural carbon sinks, often containing 5 to 10 times the carbon density of terrestrial forests. Most of this carbon is buried in the deep, anoxic soil.

Are there forests in the sea?

Alexander Lees has answered Likely

An expert from Manchester Metropolitan University in Conservation Science

One could describe vast expanse of towering kelp beds as ‘Kelp forests’, and mangrove forests are inundated daily and more easily fit existing definitions of the word ‘forests’

Are there forests in the sea?

Paul Hessburg has answered Likely

An expert from United States Forest Service in Forestry Sciences

Not my area of expertise, but from my reading I understand that kelp forests are abundant in many coastal areas and threatened by climate change in some areas.

Not always submerged but daily partially submerged, coastal mangrove forests are also important forests in tropical and subtropical areas. Mangrove forests are highly productive, with carbon sequestration rates equivalent to those of tropical humid forests.

Are there forests in the sea?

Pippa Moore has answered Likely

An expert from Newcastle University in Marine Science

Technically if you look at definitions of a forest then they are defined as trees which occupy a certain area, are found in a certain density, are of a certain height or perform a certain ecological function. Different definitions incorporating these factors are found throughout the world. With this taken into account then forests do not exist in the sea. What people are referring to when they use the phrase underwater forests are canopy-forming seaweeds which are algae and generally include Laminariales and fucoids. These canopy-forming seaweeds occupy a very similar role in the sea as terrestrial forests on land. Each seaweed plant is made up of a holdfast (analogous to tree roots), a stipe (trunk) and blade (leaves) which form a three demential habitat in the sea. Covering large areas these seaweeds alter environmental conditions and provide habitat and food for a wide range of organisms – again analogous to terrestrial forests. In general these seaweed have been referred to as kelp beds or seaweed (mainly fucoids) beds, but kelp (mainly Laminerales) forests is also a widely used term. The term underwater forests became a useful term for describing these extensive seaweed beds as it is a term that the general public and non-marine scientists can associate with. It helps get across the importance of these ecosystems, which like many of our natural systems are subjected to multiple interacting stressors.