Along the shores and in the shallow waters, a fascinating world thrives, teeming with diverse life. Algae play an important role there. They form the basis of a rich and diverse ecosystem and are a key species in a habitat that has been likened to a rainforest because of the amount of oxygen produced there. It has been estimated that unicellular and multicellular marine algae produce more than half of all atmospheric oxygen.
Seaweeds are important organisms that provide many ecosystem services. They form underwater forests that host diverse communities of beneficial species and other organisms, seabirds, seals, fish, invertebrates and algae, as well as delivering large amounts of organic matter into coastal ecosystems.
Kelp is only found in rather cold seas. Colder seas usually have more nutrients.
Kelp forests are increasingly threatened by a variety of human impacts, including climate change, overfishing and kelp harvesting.
