Kelp forests are one of Earth’s great ecosystems—growing along nearly a third of the world’s coastlines, sheltering an extraordinary range of life, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. They are places of abundance and motion, of beauty and complexity.
What is a kelp forest?
Kelp forests are underwater ecosystems made up of large brown seaweeds that grow in dense groups, like trees in a forest on land. They grow along rocky coastlines in cold, nutrient-rich waters, with some reaching over 40 meters in length.
Like forests on land, kelp forests create structure in the environment, provide shelter for many species, and help cycle nutrients and carbon through the ecosystem.
Why kelp matters
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Carbon Storage & Oxygen Production
Kelp absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen as it grows, helping regulate the global climate.
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Biodiversity
They provide habitat for fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, and seabirds.
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Coastal Protection
Their dense structure buffers wave energy, reducing erosion.
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Food & Culture
Kelp has long been used by coastal communities for food, medicine, and material.
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Regeneration
Kelp forests grow quickly, making them a promising focus for restoration and ocean resilience.
Meet the inhabitants
