Where do kelp forests grow?

Asked by: Joe Vogt

Rich in biodiversity, kelp forests grow along rocky shorelines, mostly on the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Baja, California. Alaska is home to three types of kelp: Macrocystis (two kinds, one of which is giant kelp), Nereocystis luetkeana (bull kelp) and Alaria fistulosa.

What ocean zone do kelp forests grow in?

The region with the greatest diversity of kelps (>20 species) is the northeastern Pacific, from north of San Francisco, California, to the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Although kelp forests are unknown in tropical surface waters, a few species of Laminaria have been known to occur exclusively in tropical deep waters.

Where is kelp most likely found?

Kelp are large brown algae (Phaeophyta) that live in cool, relatively shallow waters close to the shore. There are about 30 different species of kelp worldwide. They grow in dense groupings much like a forest on land, and are found predominantly along the Pacific coast from Alaska to parts of Baja California.

Where does kelp seaweed grow?

Kelp forests can be seen along much of the west coast of North America. 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.

Where do kelp plants live?

Kelp grows in temperate water, often in thick beds called forests. It’s harvested in many areas, like off the coast of California, using lawn-mower-type boats. Kelp and other types of algae are used for a range of products, including cosmetics like shampoo and toothpaste, and food like salad dressing and ice cream.

Does kelp grow in the Atlantic Ocean?

Kelp in the Atlantic Ocean



While the Atlantic Ocean does not have the giant kelp of the Pacific, it still houses many kelp species that thrive in their ocean ecosystems. Kelp is tremendously beneficial not only to animals, but also humans, who use it in foods, medicines, cosmetics, and construction.

Where are kelp forests in California?

The California coast has two main types of kelp that form vast underwater forests: giant kelp in Central and Southern California, which is doing relatively well, and bull kelp north of San Francisco Bay, which has had the worst issues with purple urchins.

Can kelp grow anywhere in the world?

Kelp Research Branches Out



But that work covered four discrete locations for a species found all over the world. Giant kelp can grow anywhere there are cold, shallow, nutrient-rich waters and a rocky seafloor.

Are there kelp forests in Florida?

Kelp forests, sea caves, and the Channel Islands themselves are home to wondrous and incredible sea life. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary – The Florida Keys are a world-famous dive destination. Wildlife lovers can find tropical coral reefs teeming with life within the boundaries of this sanctuary.

Can I eat kelp?

You can eat it raw, cooked, as a powder, and it’s included in a number of supplements. Because of its versatility and health benefits, kelp is typically used in sushis, sauces, salads, as seasoning and other products.

Are kelp forests only in California?

Kelp forests are found off the coast of every continent except Antarctica. In California, kelp forests can be found in patches along the entire coastline, from close to shore to more than 100 feet deep.

Does kelp grow in Antarctica?

Kelps are the largest of the marine plants found in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. The bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica is thought to be the strongest kelp in the world. It is able to withstand the massive seas that are characteristic of the Southern Ocean.

Who lives in kelp forests?

Kelp forests provide habitat for a variety of invertebrates, fish, marine mammals, and birds. Many species of fish and marine mammals inhabit kelp forests for protection and food. In kelp forests, the most commonly found invertebrates are bristle worms, scud, prawn, snails, and brittle stars.

Do sharks live in kelp forests?

One of the most exciting things we found with his camera tags in South Africa is that the Sharks are making extensive use of the understory of kelp forests in the ocean.

What would happens if kelp forests disappear?

These negative effects reach from the ocean to the shore. Red abalone have been severely impacted by the loss of kelp and thus lack of food, causing the abalone fishery to close until at least 2021. Sea birds and marine mammals are also feeling the effects.