Wild Wednesday - Sea kelp forests | Latest news

An underwater sea kelp forest is one of the most productive biodiverse habitats on our planet. They provide a home to a variety of invertebrates (spineless animals), fish, marine mammals, and birds, where they can find food, protection from predators and stormy weather, and act as a nursery for young. 

Commonly found invertebrates in a kelp forest are worms, prawns, snails, molluscs, anemones, with small fish hiding in the kelp. Larger fish, such as scorpionfish and lumpsuckers, lay their eggs among holdfasts (the seaweed structure). You will find sea lions and seals feeding on the fish too, hence providing a variety of life and is important for its survival.

Kelp is said to have several health benefits for humans too as it is rich in iodine and vitamins C and E. It is said to help manage anti-aging, hormone imbalance, digestion, promote healthy nails and blood vessels. It supposedly can reduce hair loss, aid weight management, help with diabetes and thyroid health.

This salty tasting sea vegetable is vegan and vegetarian friendly and can be eaten hot, cold, raw, cooked, powdered, or you could take supplements, found in health food shops.

Feeding kelp to livestock is an excellent source in filling in nutrient deficiencies so the herd can improve their immune system. digestion and reproduction. So, ocean life can feed our land animals!

Sadly, these kelp forests have declined in recent decades, mainly due to human activities including overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and climate change.

However, the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project, has a great news story right on our doorstep. Coastal towns such as Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, and Bognor Regis are seeing the return of sea kelp forests, having been lost for decades. This is attributed to the ban of trawler fishing, where weighted nets are towed along the seabed.

Read more on this amazing project here: A story of hope - recovery of Sussex underwater forests | Sussex Kelp Recovery Project and for further information click here.

Photography © Paul Boniface/Sussex Underwater - these photos were taken around Isabelle Rock (1km offshore at Bognor Regis). You can follow them on Facebook