Kelp of Cat Rock, Anacapa Island

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. These underwater towers of kelp provide food and shelter for thousands of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammal species.

 

To learn more about how NOS is protecting the marine environment, visit:

Marine Protected Areas Center

Marine Protected Areas

Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

What is a National Marine Sanctuary?, (Diving Deeper audio podcast)

 

(Original source: What is a kelp forest?, Ocean Facts)

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