Kelp

Description:

The kelp plant itself is made up of three parts: the blade (the leaf-like structure), the stipe (the stem-like structure), and the holdfast (root-like structure), which grips a substrate and anchors the kelp among the waves and currents. Kelp grows in "forests" in cold waters (usually less than 68 degrees F). Several kelp species can make up one forest. A multitude of marine life lives in and depends upon kelp forests, including fish, invertebrates, marine mammals and birds. The most well-known kelp forests are the forests of giant kelp that grow off the coast of California, which are inhabited by sea otters.

Habitat:

The Lover's Cove Marine Preserve at Catalina Island is a marine sanctuary protected by the State of California. Lover's Cove is host to clean, clear waters, free of mainland pollution and surf. The cove's undersea gardens harbor dozens of species of fish and invertebrates. Bright orange Garibaldi will eat right out of your hand.

Notes:

Kelp is not only useful to animals, but to people, too. In fact, you probably even had kelp in your mouth this morning! Kelp contains chemicals called alginates that are used to thicken a number of products (e.g., toothpaste, ice cream). Alginates are also used in pharmaceuticals.