Kelp Forest Facts
Cross-section of a California Kelp Forest showing distribution of common species and microhabitats associated with the forest.(after Foster et al. 1983)
B. Planktonic Assemblages (jellyfish, fish larvae, diatoms, and crustaceans).
C. Holdfast Assemblages (sea urchins, crustaceans, brittle stars, and sea anemones)
D. Horizontal Substrate Assemblages (urchins, sea stars, algae, tunicates, and bottom fish).
E. Vertical Wall Assemblages (coralline algae, anemones, cup corals, sponges, and bryozoans).
It is the Canopy Assemblage that is most damaged by "harvesting" kelp. Calcareous Tube Worms and other sedentary species (especially those that are trans-sexual) are dependant on a stable environment. Some of these species need several seasons' growth before they can reproduce.
· Why is it an Issue? Kelp forests are one of the most valuable and unique habitats on earth providing food and shelter for many species including Southern Sea Otters. Yet, these forests of the sea are unprotected outside of refuges and barely protected within refuges. Up and down our coast fisherman are finding reduced catch quotas the order of the day. Can this only result from over fishing? No, most certainly it can be tied to the destruction of inshore nurseries (like Los Cerritos Wetlands) and offshore nurseries in Kelp Forests.
· Are there alternatives? Yes, in the state of Maine, Kelp Farmers plant and harvest in a responsible manner. Because of their methodology, planting upon sand barrens similar to Huntington Flats, they actually increase the available food for fish and other organisms. The return of the Southern Sea Otter to their full historical range would help as well, this will bring Sea Urchin population back into balance.
· What does this have to do with me and why should I care ? As the population of California has increased... the available food sources for all species (including us) has shrunk. At a time when more of us are depending on seafood as part of our diet the resources that are both our inheritance and our legacy are being damaged for the profitability of a few. It is incumbent on us all to be stewards of the Earth in order to provide for the future.
· What can I do? California Department of Fish and Game is seeking public input on the question. Please write to them today and ask for the elimination of the Kelp Harvest Leases Program:
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Office
299 Foam St.
Monterey, CA 93940
Attn: Aaron King
or email aaron.king@noaa.gov
Want more information?
Books:
Seashore Plants of So. California, E. Y Dawson, Univ. Of Calif. Press
Marine Life of So. California, D. Reish, Kendall/Hunt Publishers
Marine Algae of California, Abbott and Hollenberg, Stanford Univ. Press
Websites:
http://www.sea-otters.org
http://www.biology.ucsc.edu/people/raimondi/readdie/index.html
http://color.mlml.calstate.edu/www/mbnms/docs92/kelp.htm
Authors note:
It has been my experience that the majority of our state and federal environmental agents are committed to doing the right thing, but they need our help. Radical Capitalist business leaders are demanding a rollback of everything from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to the elimination of the Coastal Initiative (Calif. Prop. 20) that established the Coastal Commission. Those laws that they can't repeal, they're de-funding. I urge you to become involved, write to your Congressman/ Senator/ Assemblyman and ask them to strengthen coastal protection.
TA