Kelp forests provide greater ecosystem benefits – A meta-analysis of 55 studies across 14 countries found that kelp forests consistently support higher biodiversity, species richness, abalone abundance, and sea urchin roe quality compared to urchin barrens.

Urchin barrens have distinct ecosystem attributes – While kelp forests rank higher in most ecosystem properties, urchin barrens sustain higher urchin densities and greater crustose coralline algae cover.

Implications for rocky reef management – These findings highlight the ecological value of kelp forests and can inform conservation and restoration efforts aimed at preserving or expanding these habitats to enhance ecosystem functions.