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    Kelp

    The term kelp refers to marine algae belonging to the order Laminariales (phylum: Ochrophyta). Though not considered a … See more

    Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelp_forest

    Kelp forest - Wikipedia

    • 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. Although algal kelp forest combined with coral reefs only cover 0.1% of Earth's total surface, they account … See more

    Ecosystem architecture

    The architecture of a kelp forest ecosystem is based on its physical structure, which influences the associated species that define its community structure. Structurally, the ecosystem includes three guilds of kelp and two gui… See more

    Trophic ecology

    Classic studies in kelp forest ecology have largely focused on trophic interactions (the relationships between organisms and their food webs), particularly the understanding and top-down trophic processes. Bottom-up processes … See more

    Patch dynamics

    Another major area of kelp forest research has been directed at understanding the spatial-temporal patterns of kelp patches. Not only do such dynamics affect the physical landscape, but they also affect species tha… See more

    Human use

    Kelp forests have been important to human existence for thousands of years. Indeed, many now theorise that the first colonisation of the Americas was due to fishing communities following the Pacific kelp forest… See more

    Threats and management

    Given the complexity of kelp forests – their variable structure, geography, and interactions – they pose a considerable challenge to environmental managers. Extrapolating even well-studied trends to the future i… See more

    Global conservation efforts

    The United Nations Environment Programme Norwegian Blue Forests Network 2023 report titled 'Into the Blue: Securing a Sustainable Future for Kelp Forests' documents a global decline in kelp forests, wit… See more

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    Table of Contents
    Kelp
    Ecosystem architecture
    Trophic ecology
    Patch dynamics
    Human use
    Threats and management
    Global conservation efforts
     
  1. Kelp are actually 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.

    Underwater Forests | Ocean Today - Nati…

    www.noaa.gov/underwater-forests
    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 forest - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelp_forest
    Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems formed in shallow water by the dense growth of several different species known as kelp. Though they look very much like plants, kelps are actually extremely large brown algae. Some species can reach heights (underwater) of 150 feet (45 m), and under ideal physical conditions, kelp can grow 18 inches...

    Kelp Forest - Oceana

    oceana.org/marine-life/kelp-forest/
  2. People also ask
    Is kelp a seaweed?
    Kelp is a subgroup of brown seaweed that grows in cold nutrient-rich waters. Commonly described as a foundation species, kelp creates forest-like habitats fostering huge and diverse amounts of life, including sea snails, brittle stars, lobsters, various species of fish, seals, sea otters and more.

    What Is Kelp and How Can We Protect It? - World Resources Institute

    wri.org
    Where are kelp found?
    Kelp are found in temperate and polar regions in coastal waters across the globe. About 25 percent of the world’s coastline is covered in kelp forests.

    Kelp and Kelp Forests - Smithsonian Ocean

    ocean.si.edu
    What is kelp algae?
    Kelp are large brown algae that live in cool, relatively shallow waters close to the shore. There are about 30 different species of kelp worldwide.

    Kelp Forest Ecosystems Background | Office of National Marine Sanctua…

    sanctuaries.noaa.gov
    How do kelp trees grow in the ocean?
    In the ocean, forests filled with life grow in coastal waters across the globe. Rather than trees, these forests are built by billowing seaweed—kelp. Kelp are algae that grow using the sun’s energy, much like marine seagrasses and plants on land. They are critical habitats that provide a home for other ocean life and protect coastlines.

    Kelp and Kelp Forests - Smithsonian Ocean

    ocean.si.edu
    What is a kelp tree?
    The most widely recognized species are the giant kelps (Macrocystis spp.), although numerous other genera such as Laminaria, Ecklonia, Lessonia, Nereocystis, Alaria, and Eisenia are described. A wide range of sea life uses kelp forests for protection or food, including fish.

    Kelp forest - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org
    Are kelp plants?
    Despite their appearance, kelp are not plants. They are grouped within the algae, also known generally as the seaweeds. Algae are similar to plants in that they use photosynthesis to harness the sun’s energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and sugars, which they then use for growth.

    Kelp and Kelp Forests - Smithsonian Ocean

    ocean.si.edu
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  3. Smithsonian Ocean
    https://ocean.si.edu/kelp-and-kelp-forests

    Kelp and Kelp Forests - Smithsonian Ocean

  4. NOAA's National Ocean Service
    https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/kelp.html

    What is a kelp forest? - NOAA's National Ocean Service

  5. Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelp

    Kelp - Wikipedia

  6. Oceana
    https://oceana.org/marine-life/kelp-forest

    Kelp Forest - Oceana

    Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems formed in shallow water by the dense growth of several different species known as kelp. Though they look very much like plants, kelps are actually extremely large brown algae.

  7. NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
    https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/visit/ecosys…

    Kelp Forest | NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

    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.

  8. World Resources Institute
    https://www.wri.org/insights/what-kelp-forests-protect

    What Is Kelp and How Can We Protect It? - World Resources …

  9. NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
    https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/teachers/...

    Kelp Forest Ecosystems Background | Office of National Marine …

  10. NPR
    https://www.npr.org/2024/01/22/1226160467

    New kelp fossils may help explain the Pacific Ocean's underwater …

  11. Cell Press
    https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00532-3

    State of the world’s kelp forests: One Earth - Cell Press