Nur Arafeh-Dalmau, Ph.D.

Resilient seas: Mapping kelp forests and their climate refugia in the Americas

Kelp forests are among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, yet they face growing threats from ocean heat waves, land-based pollution, and overharvesting. Along the Pacific coast of the Americas, kelp has suffered widespread declines, but some forests have persisted over time—suggesting that they may be located in climate refugia, areas that are less affected by climate change because of a combination of biological and environmental factors. Protecting these refugia is a top priority for kelp conservation because they may be critical to the future survival and recovery of kelp forest habitats.

Nur Arafeh-Dalmau will collaborate with partners in California, Mexico, Peru, and Argentina to identify and map resilient kelp forest ecosystems. Using satellite imagery, ecological surveys, and environmental DNA, Arafeh-Dalmau will analyze biodiversity patterns in persistent kelp forests and test their resilience to marine heatwaves. Additionally, he will evaluate the influence of governance strategies—such as marine protected areas and community-based management—on the health and resilience of kelp habitats.

To learn more about Dr. Arafeh-Dalmau, read his bio.

See the full list of 2026 Pew marine fellows.