For instance, an invasive brown alga called Sargassum horneri now dominates large swaths of kelp forest habitat at the islands, and while it’s impacts are not yet fully understood, the kelp forests of the Channel Islands are being substantially altered.Ĭollecting data for the Kelp Forest Monitoring Program.Ĭhannel Islands National Park's Kelp Forest Monitoring Program documents such changes as as it monitors the health of the kelp forest ecosystem, including over 70 different groups of kelp forest species. These threats include over-fishing, pollution, invasive species, disease, ocean acidification, warming ocean temperatures, and sea level rise. There are many current threats to the health of kelp forest ecosystems around the world. The kelp forests at the Channel Islands are some of the best examples in the world of this rich, diverse, and unfortunately threatened ecosystem.Ĭurrent Threats and Conservation/Stewardship Efforts Kelp harvesting continues at low levels elsewhere in California, but kelp farming in other regions of the world has replaced wild harvesting as the world’s primary source of kelp.įor many SCUBA divers and underwater photographers, kelp forests are a favorite destination offering experiences to observe the unique collection of marine life found only at the Channel Islands. In the past, kelp and other seaweeds were harvested for carrageenan and alginates, ingredients that are used as thickeners and stabilizers in many products from ice cream to toothpaste to shampoo. Animals such as the red sea urchin, spiny lobster and rock crab are just a few of the species that are fished at the Channel Islands. For instance, they support economically important commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as non-consumptive diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. In addition to their ecological significance, kelp forests are also valued for other reasons. Humans also harvest sea urchins both commercially and recreationally at the Channel Islands in areas that are not designated as marine protected areas.Ĭalifornia lobsters are among the commercially important species supported by kelp forest habitat. Today, California sheephead, spiny lobsters, and sunflower stars are the primary consumers of sea urchins that help keep their populations in check. Without sea otters, sea urchin populations eventually exploded and overgrazed the kelp, leaving behind large areas of “urchin barrens.” Sea otter populations, while recovering in Central California, have not yet returned to Channel Islands National Park. By 1900, hunting had driven them close to extinction at the islands. For instance, sea otters were once top predators in the kelp forests at the Channel Islands. ![]() If the balance of the kelp forest community is upset, dramatic consequences can ensue. They were extirpated as a result of heavy hunting, and while they are recovering in other parts of California, they have yet to return to the Channel Islands. Sea otters were once top predators in Channel Islands National Park's kelp forests. The thick kelp canopy acts as a shelter from predators and nursery habitat for juvenile fish. The kelp holdfasts, stipes (stalks) and blades create a three dimensional world of incredible biological diversity by providing numerous fish and invertebrates with food and protection. The kelp forest floor is teeming with benthic invertebrates and understory algae. Over 1,000 species of marine plants and animals can be found within Channel Islands kelp forests. Examples of colder water species include black rockfish, red abalone and the sunflower star. Some examples of warmer water species include the Garibaldi fish, California moray eel and the California spiny lobster. Kelp forests at the Channel Islands experience a mixing of both warm water currents from the south and cold water currents from the north creating a highly productive system and supporting an incredible abundance and diversity of marine life. One third of southern California’s kelp forests are found within Channel Islands National Park and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. ![]() Some kelps form dense patches on rocky reefs resembling a forest of trees underwater and are referred to as kelp forests. Kelp is a type of seaweed (or marine algae) that describes 27 genera worldwide.
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