Kelp Forests

Sea Otter

Facts

• West coast of North America

• Kelp are large brown algae

• Grow in dense groupings much like a forest

grow in dense groupings much like a forest grow in dense groupings much like a forest

Facts continued....

• Kelp forests have a greater variety of plants and animals than almost any other ocean community

• Many organisms use the thick blades as a safe shelter

More info...

• Among the many mammals and birds that use kelp forests for protection or feeding

• Seals, sea lions, whales, sea otters, gulls, terns, snowy egrets, great blue herons, cormorants, and shore birds.

Pictures

Sea Otters

• Sea otters havestrong control on kelp forest

• Sea otters bring urchins, abalones, and other benthic animals to the surface and often smash them on their chests with the aid of a rock

Credits

• http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/kelp.html

• http://www.fortrossstatepark.org/images/variousphotos/otter02.jpg

• http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/kelpforest.html