Ocean 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 an ocean forest?

Ocean forests are underwater ecosystems shaped by towering kelp that gather in dense, shifting groups — much like a forest on land. They flourish along rocky, cold, nutrient-rich coastlines, with some reaching more than 60 metres from seafloor to surface.

These forests create structure in the ocean, soften waves, and provide shelter and feeding grounds for an extraordinary range of species. Although coral reefs cover barely 1 percent of the ocean, ocean forests stretch along nearly 30 percent of the world’s coastlines — making them one of the largest and most important marine ecosystems on Earth. They move nutrients and carbon through the ocean and support life in ways that mirror the great forests on land.

Why ocean forests matter

Carbon Storage & Oxygen Production

Kelp absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen as it grows, helping regulate the global climate.
Biodiversity

They provide habitat for fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Coastal Protection

Their dense structure buffers wave energy, thereby reducing erosion.
Food & Culture

Kelp has long been used by coastal communities for food, medicine, and material.
Regeneration

Ocean forests grow quickly, making them a promising focus for restoration and ocean resilience