Kelp Forest Marine Ecosystem

Underwater forests of giant brown algae along cool rocky coasts, ranking among the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Giant kelp can grow up to 60 cm per day, among the fastest growth of any organism.
• Kelp are brown algae rather than true plants, yet form layered canopies like terrestrial forests.
• Sea otters protect kelp forests by preying on the sea urchins that would otherwise overgraze them.

Specifications & Metrics

• COVERAGE: ~25% of the world's coastlines