Researchers are surveying 1,200 kilometers of the Chilean coastline to study Macrocystis pyrifera, a massive algae species. These underwater forests act as critical carbon sinks, potentially storing up to 20 times more carbon than land forests. The Patagonia Megatransect project uses environmental DNA and underwater photography to identify biodiversity hotspots and measure carbon sequestration. The data aims to support the creation of new marine protected areas to combat habitat loss from invasive species and climate change.
