Kelp is a large brown seaweed that grows in dense underwater forests along temperate coasts, especially the Pacific. One of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, Giant Kelp can grow up to 2 feet per day under ideal conditions. These forests are vital marine habitats, offering shelter and food for fish, invertebrates, and even sea otters.
Kelp also absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, improves water quality, and helps buffer shorelines from wave action and erosion.