1. Kelp Forests Sea Otter

2. Facts West coast of North America Kelp are large brown algae Grow in dense groupings much like a forest grow in dense groupings much like a forest

3. Facts continued.... Kelp forests have a greater variety of plants and animals than almost any other ocean community Many organisms use the thick blades as a safe shelter

4. More info... Among the many mammals and birds that use kelp forests for protection or feeding Seals, sea lions, whales, sea otters, gulls, terns, snowy egrets, great blue herons, cormorants, and shore birds.

5. Pictures

6. Sea Otters Sea otters havestrong control on kelp forest Sea otters bring urchins, abalones, and other benthic animals to the surface and often smash them on their chests with the aid of a rock

7. Credits http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/kelp.htmlhttp://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/kelp.html http://www.fortrossstatepark.org/image s/variousphotos/otter02.jpghttp://www.fortrossstatepark.org/image s/variousphotos/otter02.jpg http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/kel pforest.htmlhttp://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/kel pforest.html