KELP FORESTS
described as one of the most ecologically dynamic and biologically diverse habitats on the planet, kelp has various ecological roles! Worldwide, kelp forests are home to a diversity of animals.
kelp: the fastest-growing organism on planet earthKelp looks a lot like a plant, doesn't it? Well, actually, kelps are extremely large brown algae! How large? Some species can reach heights of 45 m (150 feet), and can grow 18 inches (45 cm) in a single day!
There are three components to a kelp forest: the canopy, mid- and bottom- areas, and fringe areas. Kelps love cold, nutrient-rich waters which means you won't find them overlapping with the tropical coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. Drifting kelp, and the very top of kelp forests, act as a roosting site for birds (especially if they have potential prey items in their grasp). Sea otters are known to call kelp forests home and are frequently seen hunting in these environments within their range. Many marine and terrestrial species are directly dependent on kelp detritus (waste or debris of any kind) washed up on the shore due to the plethora of larvae and invertebrates there. |
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kelp in danger
Destructive fishing practices, coastal pollution, and accidental damage
caused by boat entanglement are known to negatively affect kelp forests.
caused by boat entanglement are known to negatively affect kelp forests.
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kelp forests and sharks
keeps some sharks outSome sharks just don't want to deal with kelp forests- in fact, many prey animals use kelp forests as natural protection against some species of sharks, like the great white! For larger sharks, these barriers may just mean getting stuck or tangled up (and who wants that?!).
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provide a habitat for some sharksDid you know some species of sharks actually call kelp forests home? Here, they have a plethora of food available... not to mention all the protection a shark could ever want! The abundance of kelp also allows for camouflage to ambush prey.
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inspires 'shark barriers'Cape fur seals used kelp forests as a natural protection from white sharks. A team of four inventors were inspired and came up with the idea of using buoyant black piping to mimic kelp; at the base of these pipes are magnets. Maybe we will soon see these barriers near you!
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