Introduction

Kelp forests are made up of a photosynthesizing algae from the kingdom, Protista. Although kelp does photosynthesis, it is important to know that it is not a plant. Kelp forests are found in cool, clear, shallow water near the coast; they are usually no deeper than 49-131 feet. This is due to the fact that the kelp algae needs sunlight to convert to energy through photosynthesis. Because kelp forests are found in cooler bodies of water, there is not much overlap with coral reefs or mangrove forest. Kelp forests are just as affected by the season as any forest on land. A change in seasonal weather patterns dictates whether a kelp forest will regenerate itself. Also, large storms can rip the kelp off the ocean floor causing it to have to regrow.(2,4)

Kelp has three main parts to it: the holdfast, the stipe, and the blade. The holdfast is what secures the algae to the ocean floor. Holdfast may seem like roots, but it does not take in any nutrients; its only job is to attach itself to a hard surface such as a rock. The blade is a leaflike structure that takes in the sunlight so that photosynthesis can be performed. The stipe is what connects these two other parts. The algae also has a very fast growth rate as it can grow up to 18 inches per day.(2) The kelp grows into long, tall fronds that can be about 8 to 12 inches above the surface of the ocean.(1,3)

In these dense underwater forests, one can find many different species of animals. Kelp forests are used by many different animals as a home, feeding and breeding grounds, and as place where young organisms can live safely. There are many species of fish that live in kelp forest as well as mammals. Whales, seals, sea lions, sea otter, and other marine mammals can be found using kelp forest as their home and hunting ground. Another major animal that is present in Kelp forest is the sea urchin. Sea urchins are very important as they are one of the biggest predators of kelp. If it were not for sea otter who eat sea urchins, kelp forests would be wiped out by the urchins. (2,3,4)