Kelp Forests
Often referred to as “rainforests of the sea”, underwater kelp forests provide food, shelter, oxygen and nursery environments for a variety of sea creatures.
The giant kelp of the B.C. coast is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, often growing more than 30 centimetres in a day! The numerous bays, shores, and current-swept passages within the area are lined with these dense, towering underwater forests which provide essential habitat for a variety of creatures.
The Story of Otters, Kelp and Urchins
Sea otters eat sea urchins. Sea urchins eat kelp. Kelp is the home of many sea creatures. So what happened to kelp forests when sea otters were hunted almost to extinction for their fur around the turn of the 20th century? Urchins ate the kelp forests and destroyed the homes of many other animals. This in turn affected the populations of many other sea creatures. Since everything is connected, it's essential that we manage the area to protect what is needed to keep the entire ecosystem healthy.
To see maps of where kelp and other important marine plants are found in B.C., visit the Plants pages of the Marine Atlas of Pacific Canada.
Source:
Barbara G. Lucas, Duncan Johannessen, and Sandra Lindstrom. (2007) Ecosystem Overview Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area - Appendix E: Marine Plants.
