California Giant Kelp

Description:

The Giant Kelp beds along the Pacific coast are the most extensive and elaborate submarine forests in the world. The genus is best developed as the species Macrocystis pyrifera from the southern California Channel Islands to northwestern Baja California. These pictures were taken off the coast of the Channel Islands, specifically Santa Cruz Island. The kelp forms dense mats on the surface, which when moving with a current are easy to snorkel through, but when still, the mats can make it difficult to move. The view underwater is spectacular compared to the brown mass of fronds seen on the surface. This kelp grows faster than any other plant in the world.

Habitat:

Kelp Forest, Santa Cruz Island near Scorpion Cove, Channel Islands.

Notes:

Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is a species of marine alga found along the Pacific coast of North America from central California to Baja California.The genus name Macrocystis means "large bladder" and it contains at least two recognized species. Macrocystis pyrifera, or giant bladder kelp, is sometimes referred to as the sequoia of the sea. Although it begins life as a microscopic spore at the ocean floor, this species may grow to lengths of 60 m (200 ft) with its upper fronds forming a dense canopy at the surface. Giant kelp prefers depths less than 40 m, temperatures less than 20º C, hard substrate such as rocky bottoms, and bottom light intensities above 1% that of the surface. http://www.starthrower.org/research/kelp... http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/anima....