Conservation

One of the greatest threats to the conservation status of well-developed Macrocystis forests is herbivory. For example, a large increase in sea urchin numbers off the Californian coast led to them grazing the Macrocystis, and resulted in complete destruction of the beds.

Otters - which are voracious urchin eaters - are important for preserving these forests.

Sludge, silt or sewage is known to destroy the microscopic stage of Macrocystis.

Macrocystis forest communities are of great aesthetic value and support both commercial fishing operations and recreational activities especially scuba diving.

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