A kelp forest typically occurs in cold, nutrient-rich water and is among the most beautiful and biologically productive habitat in the marine environment.
The coast of California is home to one of the most spectacular kelp forests in the country. Within the confines of this massive forest of kelp there lies an abundance of fishes, invertebrates, algae, marine birds, and marine mammals.
Kelp forest exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium by Stef Maruch
Image SourceSanddabs are just one of the many marine creatures inhabiting this underworld treasure. “It is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a variety of crustaceans, as well as smaller fish, squid, and octopuses.”Look very closely, as the name is derived from the sand dabs hiding within the ocean floor. 
Photograph by Timothy G. Laman
Photograph by William R. Curtsinger
Interestingly enough, Kelp ash is used in soap and glass production. Until the Leblanc process was commercialized in the early 1800s, burning of kelp in Scotland was one of the principal industrial sources of soda ash . Alginate, a kelp-derived carbohydrate is used to thicken products such as ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, as well as an ingredient in exotic dog food .
Image Source verbalink 
Image Source During the Highland Clearances, many Scottish Highlanders were moved off their crofts and went to industries such as fishing and kelping . During the 1820s, when there were steep falls in the price of kelp, landlords wanted to create pools of cheap or virtually free labor supplied by families subsiding in new crofting townships.Kelp harvesting and processing was a very lucrative way of using this labor, and landlords petitioned for legislation designed to stop emigration. However, the economic collapse of the kelp industry in northern Scotland led to further emigration, especially to North America. Fun Facts
Kelp Forest Sculpture in Art Kelp has made it’s way out of the waters and into the homes of collectors, restaurants, and aspiring artists. There is one man in particular that has taken this beautiful ecological marine life and transformed it into unique pieces of art.
Glass Sculpture by Jeff Burnette Jeff Burnette is one of Canada’s premier glass blowers. Burnette has been working with glass since 1979 and in this time has developed his own unique style. He is revolutionizing the glass blowing industry in Vancouver where his 2600 sq ft workshop is located.Also Check out:
- The World’s Most Glorified and Bizarre Mega Disasters in the Making
- The World’s Most Spectacular Sand Dunes
- Natura Coloratora Photography and Beyond the Philosophical Senses
Amaing Picts!
Clelia
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