Free Discovery Lecture - Restoring Coastal Ecosystems in Baja California

Monitoring Biological Changes and Restoring Coastal Ecosystems in Baja California
by Dr. Julio Lorda, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Ensenada, México

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Climate change and other anthropogenic pressures have significantly impacted coastal biological communities worldwide. These changes are particularly pronounced in transition zones, where different ecological regions meet. Baja California lies at the convergence of a tropical ecoregion to the south and a temperate ecoregion to the north, making it an important area for studying ecological shifts. Over the past decade, the distribution and abundance of several species along the Baja California coast have changed drastically. For instance, climate change and fishing pressure may have contributed to the decline of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), which has been absent from large areas in Northern Baja California for a few years. Additionally, we have observed an increase in invasive species and the poleward expansion of tropical species in the region’s coastal ecosystems. Continuous monitoring of these valuable ecosystems is crucial for understanding species interactions and informing management and restoration efforts. As part of these efforts, we have established a kelp and abalone restoration program to help recover these important species and support resilience. These and other efforts might help mitigate the impacts of ongoing environmental change and preserve the ecological balance of Baja California’s coastal habitats.

Dr. Julio Lorda is a marine ecologist specializing in coastal ecosystems, with a focus on the Baja California and California regions. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and has dedicated his career to studying long-term environmental changes, species interactions, and conservation strategies. He is a faculty member at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) and a co-founder of Managing Ecosystems across the Californias (MexCal), a research consortium based in Ensenada, Baja California. Additionally, he is an adjunct scientist at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve (TRNERR), contributing to international coastal monitoring initiatives. Dr. Lorda’s research spans a variety of ecological topics, including population and community ecology, biogeography, long-term coastal monitoring, invasive species ecology, climate change impacts, and ecological parasitology. Currently, Dr. Lorda is leading efforts in kelp and abalone restoration programs, emphasizing participatory science, conservation aquaculture, and scenario planning to address ecosystem shifts. His work integrates academic research with applied conservation, aiming to develop sustainable solutions for marine resource management.

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