<p>This giant kelp was photographed in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, but giant kelp is found all the way from southeast Alaska to Baja California, and also in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Tasmania and New Zealand! This macroalgae grows to about 30 meters in height, though can grow to more than 50 meters in ideal conditions. Because it frequently grows in dense kelp forests, giant kelp provides essential shelter for many species of adult fish and serves as a nursery for juveniles. In California, up to 100 species of fish depend on these forests! 
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Photo Credit: Claire Fackler/NOAA
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/44124469278@N01">National Marine Sanctuaries</a>
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/onms/29894800782/">CINMS - Giant Kelp</a>