Kelp forests are underwater areas with a high density of kelp, which covers a large part of the world's coastlines. Smaller areas of anchored kelp are called kelp beds. They are recognized as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth.

Kelp forests grow on hard, rocky surfaces where they can tangle their root-like holdfasts around the stone. The leaf-like fronds contain air-filled bladders that help the kelp stalks float upright in the water, giving kelp beds the drifting appearance of an underwater forest.

Kelp beds are highly productive nearshore habitats that support commercial and sport fish, invertebrates, marine mammals and marine birds. Many factors, both natural and anthropogenic, affect the extent and composition of kelp beds.

Jun 16, 2024 · Kelp are large brown algae that live in cool, relatively shallow waters close to the shore. They grow in dense groupings much like a forest on land. These underwater towers of kelp provide food and shelter for thousands of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammal species.

These underwater towers of kelp provide food, shelter, and protection for all kinds of marine life, including seals, sea lions, sea otters, invertebrates, fish, whales, birds, and more.

Alaria-The winged kelp or ribbon kelp are smaller kelps that can form dense beds in the coastal intertidal. They are common off the shore of Maine, Nova Scotia, and Ireland. Alaria can also form the forest understory alongside taller bull kelp and giant kelp.

Jun 30, 2023 · Kelp beds are a Priority Marine Feature in Scotland's seas. They provide: food and shelter for many marine animals – supporting food chains that include species of commercial significance; a big role in recycling coastal nutrients; Kelps common in Scottish waters include:

Dec 21, 2021 · Kelp forests offer shelter and food to many species—but these beds of seaweed are disappearing fast. Discover 12 amazing facts about kelp forests.

Kelp forests are composed of rapidly growing large brown algae. This highly productive habitat supports a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals forming the basis for a rich ecosystem.

May 26, 2023 · Unchecked populations of purple sea urchins are devouring California's iconic kelp forests, but pioneering scientists are working to put the ecosystem back in balance.