Jared Huffman pushes bill to help kelp forests
North Coast U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) reintroduced a bill that aims to allocate federal funds to address declining kelp forests, crucial for marine biodiversity. But a Republican-controlled Congress and White House aimed at cutting federal spending could mean hurdles for the legislation.
A massive decline in kelp forests, in particular off the coast of Mendocino and Sonoma counties in 2013-14, contributed to a drop in populations of multiple marine species, like red abalone.
“Healthy kelp ecosystems are essential not only to the stability and survival of hundreds of marine species, but also to protecting coastlines, generating income for coastal communities, and supporting sustainable fisheries,” said Huffman in a prepared statement.
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By: Sage Alexander
Source: Advocate-News
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