Scientists say algae are waging 'chemical warfare' on kelp forests in the Gulf of Maine

Rapidly growing turf algae are effectively waging chemical warfare on kelp forests in the Gulf of Maine, according to a new study from researchers at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and the University of Maine. Lead author Shane Farrell said the algae have proliferated due to warming waters, and are releasing chemicals that make it harder for kelp to survive. Farrell said losing those kelp forests threatens a linchpin of the marine ecosystem. "They're much like coral reefs or rainforests, you know, they provide habitat, food and refuge for a variety of species, making them biodiversity hotspots," he said.