Kelp and Eelgrass
Coletti H. 2011. Kelp and Eelgrass
Kelps and eelgrasses are “living habitats” that serve as nutrient filters and provide understory and ground cover for planktivorous fish, clams, urchins, and a physical substrate for other invertebrates and algae. Kelps and eelgrasses also provide spawning and nursery habitats for forage fish and juvenile crustaceans. Kelps are the major primary producers in the marine nearshore and because they are located in shallow water, they are prone to be more impacted by oil spills and other human-related activities.
- Type
- Resource Brief
- Authors
- Coletti, Heather
- Date of Issue
- 2011-10
- Units
- KATM , KEFJ , SWAN
- Keywords
- Eelgrass, Kelp, near shore
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Marine Communities