KELP FORESTS Kelp forests occur in cold, nutrient-rich water and are among the most beautiful and biologically productive habitats in the marine environment. They are found throughout the world in shallow open coastal waters, and the larger forests are restricted to temperatures less than 20 C, extending to both the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. A dependence upon light for photosynthesis ...

Table of Contents Matt Edwards and Mike Foster Moss Landing Marine Laboratories P.O. Box 450, Moss Landing, CA 95039 I. Kelp Forest Distribution and Ecology A. Dominant species B. Seasonal patterns and kelp life histories II. Algal Assemblages Associated with Kelp Forests III. Invertebrate and Vertebrate Assemblages Associated with Kelp Forests A. Invertebrates B. Fishes C. Mammals and birds IV.

Habitats: Kelp - Characteristics Kelp forests grow along rocky coastlines in depths of 18 to 90 feet (6 to 30 meters). Kelps are types of brown algae, which hold on to the rocky bottom with root-like structures called holdfasts. From these holdfasts, long streamers of kelp grow up toward the surface, with gas bladders at each leaf to keep the plant upright, such as on the Giant Perennial Kelp.

Kelp forests are large underwater colonies of kelp that dominate shallow rocky reefs in temperate waters around Australia.

10 Steps To Better Eco-Diving In Kelp Forests By Jean-Michel Cousteau The kelp forest is a unique and diversified ecosystem that will provide you with many hours of interesting dives. Since the potential exists for divers to become entangled in kelp it is important to practice safe diving techniques, both to protect the diver and to avoid damaging the kelp plants. Streamlining your equipment, ...