Diving into the World of Kelp and Biodiversity

Have you ever wondered what makes the ocean so vibrant and full of life? 

Introducing our magnificent and mighty kelp forests! These underwater wonders play a crucial role in supporting our ocean's biodiversity.

Kelp comes in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. From Bull Kelp to Sugar Kelp to the monstrous Giant Kelp, each species plays its own unique role in supporting our ocean's ecosystem.

But what makes kelp so special? Kelp provides a habitat that supports a diverse community of species, including fish, invertebrates, seaweeds, and algae. These species use the kelp as a source of food and shelter, with many species depending on kelp forests for their survival throughout their life cycle.

Not only do kelp forests provide a home for these creatures, but they also serve as an important nursery ground for many species of fish. Imagine a big, cozy underwater fort, where juvenile fish can hide from predators and have a near never-ending supply of food! With the help of kelp, these young fish can improve their survival and growth, leading to a strong and thriving population.

Some species of kelp, such as giant kelp, are considered keystone hosts. Just like a keystone holds an arch together, these species play a central role in maintaining the structure and function of the ecosystem. Without them, the ecosystem could collapse, leading to significant declines in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Interestingly, the sea otter is also considered a keystone species, as they prey on sea urchins that graze on kelp. Without species like the sea otter to feed on them, sea urchins can devastate entire kelp forests.

So now that we know just how crucial a role kelp forests can play in supporting biodiversity, did you know that there have been significant declines in kelp forest habitats over the past 100 years? Due to climate change, overfishing, and a cascade of events that allowed the sea urchin population to bloom, we’ve seen massive die-off of kelp forests along our coastlines.

Our goal is to help restore our kelp forests to ensure the ocean's continued vibrancy and life for generations to come. That’s why veritree has partnered with Ocean Wise to plant and verify Bull Kelp, Sugar Kelp, and Giant Kelp off the coasts of Canada and Chile. Reach out to us today to learn how you too can support our underwater forests and help enhance their biodiversity.