10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kelp! 🌿 Kelp forests are the largest marine habitat on Earth Found on every continent except Antarctica, kelp forests cover more than one-third of the world’s coastlines. 🌿 Kelps are champion growers Giant kelp is reported to grow up to 18 inches per day in ideal conditions, making them the second fastest-growing organisms on the planet, just behind certain bamboo species! 🌿 Kelp forests are home to hundreds of species From tiny snails and sea stars to larger animals like otters, seals, and finfish, kelp forests support both resident and migratory species. 🌿 There are many species of kelp “Kelp” isn’t a single species, but a broad term for large brown algae, most of which fall in the order Laminariales. 🌿 Kelp forests are under threat Like coral reefs, kelp forests are among the marine ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change. Rising ocean temperatures can trigger overgrazing by native sea urchins, resulting in the loss of kelp canopy. 🌿 You’ve probably eaten kelp, even without realizing it Kelp is a staple in many traditional cuisines—particularly across East Asia, where it’s used in soups, broths, and seaweed snacks. But it also appears in everyday products! 🌿 Kelp inspires artists around the world The majesty of kelp forests have sparked the imagination of artists working in mediums from photography, sculpture, textiles, and ceramic. 🌿 Kelp forests are underwater nurseries Kelp forests serve as important habitat for the young of many species of fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, as their dense stands can help provide shelter from predators and strong currents. 🌿 Kelp forests protect coastlines Healthy kelp forests can act as natural physical barriers to protect coastlines from erosion by buffering the impact of waves and storms on the coast. 🌿 You can help the kelp! Warming oceans are the biggest threat to kelp forests worldwide - so any action you take that fights climate change is also one that helps the kelp. You can also directly support organizations worldwide working on kelp research and restoration. And, you can spread the word, as raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have!