Ecosystems: Kelp Forests

Sunlight filters through the dense kelp canopy bringing light to the sea floor, which allows growth in the understory. (Photo: Kip Evans)

Welcome to the National Marine Sanctuaries Ecosystems section. Here we will describe and discuss a habitat present in one or more of the national marine sanctuaries. Kelp forests are currently being featured.

We'll focus on the scientific and science-to-management aspects of kelp forests resources in the national marine sanctuaries. In these pages you will find:

• A description of kelp forests within the sanctuaries and a look at the keystone species - the sea otter.
  
  

• A description of the natural and anthropogenic impacts that affect these kelp forests.