Kelp are large, brown seaweeds that thrive in cold and nutrient-rich waters. They create habitat for many species such as algae, invertebrates and fish, by creating three-dimensional structured habitat, which makes them both ecologically and economically important. Many species of kelp are in decline and are threatened by warming oceans and marine heatwaves, which are increasing in frequency and severity. Because habitat-forming species like kelp play such an important role in their ecosystems, their declines can have major ecological consequences.

Robin will work with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to help determine trigger points for kelp tolerance to warming temperatures and low nutrients. She will assess if there are differences in kelp physiology and thermal maximums across a natural gradient of temperature and nutrients. Additionally, she will perform a laboratory experiment to determine whether nutrient availability impacts kelp responses to marine heatwaves. This research will help make data-informed predictions of which kelp species will be most sensitive to marine heatwaves, warming and nutrient levels, which can be used to target sites for restoration and conservation.