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Home , Giant kelpfish, Kelp, Kelp forest, Macrocystis, Macrocystis pyrifera, Project AWARE

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CONTENT STANDARDS, with language arts, mathematics and history-social science standards.

The introduction to the Science Content Standards defines the essential skills and knowledge in science that students are expected to acquire at each grade level in the State of California. The con- tent within each grade level or span is organized into strands. Science content strands for Grades K-5 are Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Investigation and Experimentation. Science content strands are organized with a for Grades 6-8 in Earth Science, grade 7 in Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences in grade 8.

SCIENCE SKILLS: Observing: using all five senses: seeing, hearing, touching, smelling & tasting Classifying: identifying like and unlike objects, grouping into sets Measuring: using numbers to describe size, , quantity, volume or time Organizing: analyzing and interpreting data Inferring: drawing conclusions from data Predicting: forming hypotheses based on past observations and results Experimenting: identifying and controlling variables in testing hypotheses Deducing: deriving a conclusion from something known or assumed Communicating: verbal, written, or other methods of informing others about results C a l i f o r n i a K e l p and conclusions Restoration Project First Edition 2006 © D a w n N . E r i c s o n Activities and Projects P u b l i s h e r providing science skills are indicated with this “seal” of approval. Manta Publications www.mantapublications.com The study of and the kelp offers a unique opportunity to understand vital science concepts while having fun learning about our own unique California environment.

Kelp is a valuable resource and an ecological treasure of our state. Kelp forests provide food and shelter to vast and diverse of and life both under the and above. With the increase of human demand and the of our , kelp forests and their delicate are more vulnerable than ever and in dire need of protection and restoration.

This guide will help teach both the natural history and the scientific understanding about this remarkable , and how we can preserve and restore the forests of our oceans.

To study nature is to encourage stewardship.

1 KELP CONTENTS

Kelp Forest Lesson Plan and Science Activities

KELP FOREST CLASSROOM LECTURE...... 3-7

LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP...... 8-15

WILDLIFE of the KELP FOREST...... 16-18

K E L P R E S T O R A T I O N ...... 2 0 - 2 2

KELP VOCABULARY...... 23

KELP ORGANIZATIONS and PROGRAMS...... 24

The CALIFORNIA KELP FOREST Grade levels are indicated SCIENCE & ACTIVITY with type size and these codes: GUIDE FOR TEACHERS is designed and LARGE TYPE: written to assist Primary Studies - (Pri.S) Grades K-5 teachers of grades K through 12. All black SMALLER TYPE: and white pages, Secondary Studies - (Sec.S) Grades 6-7 diagrams and work- SMALLER TYPE: sheets may be reproduced for use in Advance Studies - (Adv.S) Grades 8-12 your classroom.

Dive in and discover giant kelp, pyrifera.

2 KELP FOREST CLASSROOM LECTURE

(Pri.S, Sec.S & Adv.S) The great naturalist Charles Giant Darwin noticed the ecological impor- Kelp Kelp Introduction tance and value of the kelp forests as Lecture early as 1834, but to this day there is California is a unique and amaz- still much to learn and study about ing place on planet earth. Our state is giant kelp, , and rich with a variety of environments, there is a great need to protect it. from lush forests to vast deserts. However, just off the , only min- Kelp Forest utes from the city, is something even Locations more extraordinary. Perhaps you have never even noticed it. California may be a unique Have you ever gone swimming in environment, both the and gotten tangled in a mass on land and under- of brown , or stumbled over its water, but it is not the twisting fronds while running on the only place in the world with beach? Perhaps you’ve noticed these kelp. There are a few other places with same brown floating on the sur- the necessary conditions for kelp face of the water all along the coast, growth, including the southern tips of with a pelican or otter floating Africa, and , nearby? What we see on the surface of along the west of the water, or washed up on the beach, and, of course, . Along are just parts of a vast underwater for- the coast from Baja California in est, existing beneath the waves, Mexico, to San Diego up to Santa Cruz, unseen and unnoticed by most of us. are lush kelp forests growing uniquely above the equator. California’s coastal Divers have compared this provide just the unique underwater world to tropical right conditions for kelp rain forests because- like their land growth including cool tem- counterparts- kelp forests tower like peratures, plenty of nutri- trees, growing to great heights and pro- ents, wave motion, rocky viding food and shelter to an extensive areas and clear, clean variety of animals and life. These ocean water. underwater plants are called kelp, and are not technically trees nor plants, but Of course, the less are classified as giant algae. There are polluted an area is, the better many types of kelp, but the largest and the kelp forests can thrive. most common algae here in California Today’s healthiest kelp ecosys- can grow from depths of 30 feet along tems are found outside such polluted the coast and up to 80 feet around and murky waters like the Santa California’s offshore islands. Divers Monica Bay. In the clearer waters off and scientists have counted more than the coasts of Los Angeles, Oxnard and 800 species of that live in or Santa Barbara lie the mostly uninhab- depend on the kelp forests. ited Channel Islands, surrounded by giant kelp. Catalina Island is easy to visit and enjoyed by many people for and amongst the swaying forests.

3 KELP FOREST CLASSROOM LECTURE (Pri.S, Sec.S & Adv.S) Giant From processed kelp, algin is Kelp Kelp Introduction derived. Algin is used as a thickener, Lecture emulsifier, gelling agent, and stabilizer Kelp Uses in , beverages, drugs, cosmet- The utilization of seaweed dates ics, paints, ceramics, insecticides, car back to 600 B.C. when it was used as polishes, adhesives, and dental gels food for both people and their domesti- like toothpaste. Kelp by-products put cated animals, and as soil fertilizer, the head on beer, thicken milkshakes, called potash. Later, kelp was harvest- and smooth ice cream. Kelp is also ed and burned, with the ash used as a woven into surgical thread. Kelp is a source of soda for pottery glazing and rich source of , potassium, phos- in the manufacturing of glass and . phorus, and A, B, C, D, E and Kelp even ‘fought’ in the world wars, G. In fact, all of these vitamins and min- when the United States harvested the erals are found in larger amounts in potash salt for explosives. kelp than in any other vegetation on Today, kelp is a billion-dollar-a- Earth. It is estimated that the average year industry. Marine algae, or sea- American makes use of sea- weeds, have so many uses that kelp is weed in one form or another every day, harvested by special barges out in the many times a day. ocean equipped with large cutting However, current demand for racks which push through the kelp kelp algin exceeds supply. Therefore, canopy. The kelp fronds are cut to a careful management of the kelp forest depth of four feet below the surface. In has been developed with an under- this way, only the mature, older fronds standing of its delicate . are harvested, and the kelp can quick- Protection of kelp from over-harvesting ly regrow. The cut kelp is gathered on is one way of keeping our oceans conveyers which carry it aboard the healthy and alive. barges, then it is unloaded on shore for processing.

SEAWEED SHOPPING name______date______KELP CHIPS Check list when finding products containing seaweed or algin. A seaweed recipe: Seaweed as food goes back to Brand Name Algin Potassium Iodine 600 B.C.! Frying chips of ice cream, vegetables in oil has remained puddings a favorite way to prepare beverages, beer a quick snack. natural 1. Clean and dry products Macrocystis kelp blades. cosmetics 2. Cut the kelp into vitamins chip size pieces. 3. Heat a frying pan, toothpaste add several tablespoons A seaweed shopping of canola oil. Fry the kelp check list and a paints seaweed recipe. until crisp. Place on paper. insecticides 4. Eat! No salt needed. Munch or add to a salad made other with .

4 KELP FOREST CLASSROOM LECTURE

(Sec.S & Adv.S) warm water. In the ever shifting sands, no one The Clean knows if the kelp forests will ever regrow. Water Act Kelp Environment 1972

2. Cold Water The Clean California has an of giant Although too cold for human comfort, a Water Act kelp along its coast. Scientists estimate that kelp forest grows best where water tempera- is the 44,000 acres of ocean floor near California is tures remain below 70°F. Why does the water cornerstone of surface water covered by this marine . But what have to be so cold? The answer isn’t certain. makes this particular patch of the ocean so quality protec- However, nutrients in the water vary when tion in the well suited for growing kelp? Giant kelp has ocean waters warm up, and that’s when the United States. several requirements that must be met in order kelp forests appear to decline. Perhaps, in high Its intent is to to grow and flourish, and only a few places on kelp can’t get the simple nutri- sharply reduce the planet are lucky enough to provide for direct ents they need for and they pollutant these needs: starve. It is also possible that the warmer discharges waters alter local winds and currents in such a into water- 1. Attachment ites S way that they block the of cold nutri- ways, finance Like trees, giant kelp has a kind of root ent-rich water. Research has shown that large municipal wastewater system keeping it secured to one spot on the adult kelp can withstand temperatures of up to ocean floor. But unlike trees, kelp does not treatment 74°F, but the youngest plants perish when facilities, and grow from out of the ground. Instead, its roots water temperatures rise over 68°F. manage act like grasping fingers that create a holdfast, In Southern California, kelp forests fol- polluted runoff. usually onto a rock. Thus, rocky areas in shal- low a regular cycle of development, growing The goal is to low coastal zones are the best places for the best during cold periods in the winter and giant kelp to grow. How well an individual kelp restore and spring, then deteriorating when water warms maintain the grows depends on the quality and size of the up in the summer and fall. Extended periods of chemical, rock a young kelp attaches itself too. If the rock warm water conditions, like El Niño weather, physical, and biological is too small, it will not be able to support and cause long-term damage to the kelp forests. weight down the of the growing kelp, integrity of the and the two will float away or wash ashore. nation’s waters so that Thus, a large, durable rock will give the grow- they can ing plant a strong foundation from which to support “the Rain Water Runoff protection and grow. Granite rocks are ideal, while softer Measure changes in pH as water runoff rocks, like sandstone, present less secure travels from your school yard propagation of attachment sites. The weak layers of sand- towards the ocean. , shellfish, and wildlife stone break easily and can be further weak- Materials: clean containers to collect water and recreation ened by the burrowing action of clams and samples, pH testing kit, graph paper in and on the into the rock. Such rocks often easily water.” break apart, especially during large winter Background: As rainwater falls and moves Remember, storms when waves thrash and pull at the kelp. across a yard, down the driveway, and into a storm drain, it picks up pollutants. These pol- healthy water lutants come from many sources such as the means healthy Occasionally, kelp can grow in sandy exhaust and leaks from our cars, fertilizers on people. as well. The Channel Islands act as a the lawns, soil and dirt, and wastes from ani- mals. These pollutants can affect the pH of the barrier to the Santa Barbara coastline, protect- water, making it more acidic. pH is the meas- ing it from large ocean swells and heavy cur- ure of how acidic or basic a is. rents. Its sandy outcrop once supported a Changes in pH can affect how chemicals dis- dense kelp forest. In the sheltered waters, kelp solve in the water and whether organisms can use these chemicals to grow. Most aquatic plants could settle on small shells or worm organisms prefer a pH range of 6.5–8.0 (with 1 tubes, and extend their holdfasts like roots into being most acidic, 14 being most basic, and 7 the sand. Each new kelp could then settle onto being neutral). the holdfast of the adult plants, thus developing Rain water runoff. Hypothesis: State a hypothesis about how a kelp forest. However, in Santa Barbara, many the pH readings of your water samples will of these kelp beds disappeared when they were change as the water flows from the school uprooted by the unusually large storms that yard down to a storm drain. Record your hypothesis. accompanied the “El Niño” of 1983, a phenome- non that produces destructively hot winds and 5 KELP FOREST CLASSROOM LECTURE OBSERVATION NOTEBOOK

NAME ______SEEING HEARING TOUCHING SMELLING TASTING

______

GRADE DATE______My kitchen tap water ______

SCHOOL DATE______My home’s outdoor water ______

DATE______TEAM My city MEMBERS storm drain ______water ______DATE______Beach storm drain water ______

DATE______Ocean water

DATE______Animal sightings

*Don’t do it!

DATE______Bird sightings

DATE______Types of kelp on beach or ocean waters

DATE______Beach wildlife, or shell sightings

DATE______An observation People sightings assignment.

DATE______POLLUTION sightings

6 KELP FOREST CLASSROOM LECTURE

(Sec.S & Adv.S) synthesis. In calm water, rapidly growing kelp would quickly Kelp Environment deplete the nutrients in their immediate sur- 3. Salinity (Salt Content) roundings. But the Kelp is found only in the ocean. Rivers motion of the cur- and lakes are freshwater with zero salinity, rents, waves and while the ocean has a salinity of around 35 upwelling throughout parts per thousand (ppt) of water. From this we the ocean keeps the can conclude: kelp needs salty water in order wealth of nutrients in con- to survive. If you were to place it in , stant circulation. Like rivers, kelp cells would quickly explode as the fresh ocean currents push the cold, nutri- Pacific water would rush into the cells and try to ent-rich water through the kelp forest, replac- Ocean equalize the salt concentration. Reverse this ing and carrying away the warm, nutrient-poor Currents effect and try putting kelp in super salty water water. The California Current brings cold, (maybe 45 ppt) and the algae would quickly nutrient-rich water down from the north all the shrivel as the water from the kelp cells would way to southern California. During the calm, rush out of the cell into the saltier water. warm periods of summer, these currents move Luckily, the ocean’s salinity remains stable and less rapidly and the growth of the giant kelp kelp does not have to suffer from major salinity often slows down or stops completely. changes. Cold, nutrient-rich water does not only move along currents from North to South along 4. Clear Water the California coast. Upwelling also replaces Like plants, kelp thrives on sunlight. the warm, nutrient-poor water. Upwelling But even on the most beautiful, sunny days, occurs when deep, cold water rises to shallow- beneath the surface of the water it can quickly er depths carrying upward the nutrient-rich become dark. The canopy of the kelp alone decay of dead plants and animals, abundant shades out 90% of the sunlight from everything with all the chemicals kelp forests need. below it, including the plant itself. However, it is this same canopy that is reaching and grow- 6. Waves and Water Motion ing upward to the surface water, so it can Waves benefit the kelp by absorb as much light as possible. keeping in constant motion the cool, nutrient- Thus, the clarity of the water is rich ocean water. The entire kelp community extremely important. Muddy, cloudy water and depends on such water circulation to distribute polluted water looks dark and prevents sun the living and decaying matter which light from penetrating downward. Clear water filters down the to reach the ensures that the maximum amount of light can smaller animals. Water movement also carries reach even the deepest depths of the ocean to larvae and as they settle on the ocean the smallest kelp trying to grow 80 feet to the floor and develop, helping to create such vast ocean surface. ocean “forests”. The color of water is also an important indicator of water clarity. Throughout Southern Moderate size waves also help to California, the water appears dark and green- “weed out” older kelp growth, allowing more ish. Greenish water is a sign that light is being sunlight to penetrate down to new growth and blocked and reflected back to the surface. It creating a healthier forest. However, enormous may also be an indication of the pollution and surging waves can be very destructive to a kelp sediment making the water murky and dark. forest. Rapidly moving water during storms Towards Palos Verdes or the Channel Islands, accompanied by thrashing, pounding waves, however, the water takes on an aqua color. This tugs and tears at kelp forests, stripping away light, bluish tint is a sure indicator that light is fronds and sometimes ripping the entire hold- penetrating deep into clearer waters. fast of a kelp plant away from the ocean floor. After such a storm, the beach will often trans- 5. Nutrient-Rich Water form overnight into masses of washed up and In addition to light, kelp forests need a stranded seaweed, which provides shelter and constant supply of fresh nutrient-rich water to nutrients to a whole new intertidal community survive. Kelp absorbs simple chemicals from of land-dwelling organisms. the surrounding water, rich with , car- bon, , and phosphorus needed for growth and dioxide needed for photo- 7 GIANT KELP Macrocystis pyrifera

Kelp Canopy

Kelp Frond Blades and Stipe may live up to 6 months.

Pneumatocysts Floats, or gas filled bladders.

Kelp Blade

Mid-Water Zone Scimitar Blade Where new blades are formed.

Kelp Stipe

Frond Initial

Sporophyll Blades

Kelp Spores- Sporangia

Kelp Holdfast Can grow to 8 feet across. Sandy or Haptera Rocky Bottom Holdfast

8 LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP

(Pri.S, Sec.S & Adv.S) habitats for adults. Nearby intertidal Giant communities of animals also rely on GIANT KELP Kelp the nutrients from the sloughing of Life Macrocystis pyrifera blades and shedding fronds. Severe History winter storms or an El Niño season can California has up to twenty dif- disrupt the entire ecology and food ferent species of kelp. As you already chain, often requiring two to three know, the largest of these is the giant years to re-establish a disrupted kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. In fact, this ecosystem and kelp forest. kelp is one of the most structurally complex marine “plant” on Earth, growing remarkably fast and reaching A kelp stipe heights of up to 150 feet in less than a may grow year. THE THREE BASIC PARTS up to 24 Giant kelp usually grows in shal- OF THE GIANT KELP: inches in low depths ranging from 20 to 80 feet. 24 hours. Below 80 feet, light becomes limited, The Holdfast, Stipe and Blade preventing the growth of most young make up the three basic parts of giant Macrocystis pyrifera. Given the right kelp. From absorbing sunlight and nutrients in the water, to hanging on for amount of sunlight, temperatures dear life, each component does its part between 50° F and 65° F, and ample cold to produce strong and healthy kelp. nutrient-rich water, the “branches” or fronds of kelp can grow up to two feet per day! Fronds have an average life (Sec.S & Adv.S) span of 6 months as they grow and con- verge at the surface of the water into a 1. Kelp Holdfast Working like the anchor of a boat canopy, absorbing light, and finally securing it against the surging waves, the hold- being pulled away by ocean currents fast secures the kelp in place. Root-like in and waves. This process is called appearance (but not a root, because it doesn't 2 4 inches sloughing, and new fronds continuous- gather water and nutrients from the soil the ly develop and mature to replace the way roots do) the holdfast holds tight to its old. The kelp itself lives up to seven rocky home. Anchored to the rocks, tubeworm reefs, or sandy ocean floor, the holdfast is a years, and it will continue to generate a mass of tangled, brightly hued haptera. The stronger and bigger holdfast and new haptera’s stubby branches sprout from the bot- fronds throughout its life. Adult kelp tom of the plant and intertwine and overgrow also release hundreds of reproducing the older ones. They grow down over the rock spores, helping to create an ongoing surface, wedging themselves into any available undersea forest of life. crack or crevice giving the holdfast an upside- down cone shape. , small , Every winter the perennial , brittle stars and small worms take Macrocystis pyrifera sloughs back, refuge from predators inside the cavities leaving only a few fronds on the kelp between branches. Some lodgers eat the older, stipe and the kelp holdfast. Winter inner haptera and hollow out the inside of the storms between October and March holdfast. In this way, the holdfast provides a contribute to the decrease in size of the secure home for a multitude of creatures. As a kelp’s holdfast ages, it may even- kelp canopy but generally spare the tually lose its grip to the ocean floor. Hungry understory of fronds and blades which tenants may eat too many of the new branches, remain and regenerate. or the oldest branches in the center may decay Throughout the year, many and fail. If the remaining branches don't hold species of fish depend on kelp forests fast, surging storm waves will pull the weak- as nurseries for their young and ened holdfast free, setting the kelp adrift.

9 LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP

(Sec.S & Adv.S) 3. Kelp Blade GIANT KELP (continued) The flattened, broad blade of kelp 2. Kelp Stipe grows rapidly. Like a leaf, its flat and wide sur- Sturdy and resilient, kelp stipes rise face area allows for a maximum absorption of like twisting vines to the surface of the water sunlight. - the round hollow while holding the whole plant together. The bulbs at the base of each blade, like little bal- kelp stipe is like the stem on a land plant but loons- makes the blades buoyant so that they much more flexible like rubber so it can stretch float toward the surface. Once at the surface, up and down in the waves without breaking or the kelp grows outward, creating a gorgeous tugging too strenuously on the holdfast grip- canopy and absorbing the maximum amount of ping the ocean floor below. Besides being the light. Through translocation, the energy from sturdy anchor line for kelp, it is also an eleva- this sunlight is transferred to the rest of the tor for passing nutrients from one end to the plant, all the way down to its holdfast. other, running between the canopy above and The kelp blade performs photosynthe- the holdfast below. Kelp blades are attached to sis whenever light is available. The blade cells the stipe along its entire length. A collection of absorb water and carbon dioxide from the sur- growing blades on the stipe is called a frond. rounding seawater and use energy they collect energy (the product of photosynthesis) from sunlight to make oxygen and food com- travels from fronds in the sunlit waters above pounds like sugar, amino acids and other build- down to the dimly lit lower portions of the ing blocks of plants. The provide nour- plant. This process, called translocation, ishment for all parts of the plant, from the allows giant kelp to grow larger and faster than growing tips in the canopy to the established any other kind of seaweed or plant. holdfast and developing fronds far below the Kelp stipes develop enlarged hollow surface. The stipe helps transport this food to floats or pneumatocysts (pronounced “new- wherever it is needed most. Surplus food is mat-o-sists”). A mixture of gases fills each stored in the cells of the kelp plant, to be used balloon- like float, allowing the stipe and blades later to make more blades, stipe and a thicker to float towards the sunlit ocean surface where holdfast. the plant can collect the most sunlight possible As a result of these stored sugars, kelp for photosynthesis. blades provide nutritious meals for countless kelp forest that nip at the blades, getting little mouthfuls of the sweet-tasting blades. Snails and some other mollusks use razor-like teeth, or radula, to scrape over the blades and stipe. Even if the blades are not being directly eaten, they secrete nutrients into the water serving as an additional food source to the many microscopic plankton floating through the sea.

The marginal spines and textured surfaces of Macrocystis pyrifera blades increases turbu- lence as water flows over them and facilitates the uptake of carbon dioxide and other mole- cules from the water.

10 LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP Giant blades Kelp and sori Life Cycle Spores

(Adv.S) ers become females and produce eggs. Chemical signals from an egg cause sperm Giant Kelp Life Cycle and to be released from the male plant. Sperm Reproduction swarm toward the female’s egg, drawn by its chemical perfume. Only one sperm can Macrocystis pyrifera develops clusters successfully unite with the egg. Once fertil- of special reproductive blades called sporo- ized, the egg grows into an embryo and phylls near or above its holdfast. These sporo- eventually develops a single blade-like struc- phyll blades are responsible for produc- ture: a . At this phase, one can final- tion. By making spores, the first (microscopic) ly witness the growth of the kelp with their phase phase in the life cycle of the kelp begins. Dark naked eye, watching as the blade grows patches known as sori on these fertile blades upward and produces other, newer blades. show the location of the spore-making cells The sporophyte will extend upward called sporangia. Each (smaller toward the sunlight at the surface of the than the eye can see) produces between 16 and water, creating new blades and stipe. The 32 spores. tip of each stipe, where tiny new blades are A kelp plant in its prime produces hun- forming and are still attached to one anoth- dreds of that generate billions of er, is called the scimitar blade. It will contin- spores. Spores are tiny, smaller than the dot of ue to grow, repeatedly splitting and forming a period on this page. Released into the sur- more blades and creating fronds, thickening A young sporophyte rounding water, they are lively swimmers yet and developing the buoyant pneumatocysts at the mercy of currents. A swarm of the swim- until eventually it becomes a mature ming spores travel away from the parent plant. kelp, reaching up to the surface. Carried by the currents and water movement, At this stage, while it may spores may travel a few feet or several yards appear that all young sporo- away. Many are lost at sea or eaten by animals. phytes will mature into giant Only a few of the lucky spores find themselves kelp, the holdfasts of these Scimitar blade stranded in calmer waters near the ocean bot- young can crowd a rock like tom and settle down on a rock. rival siblings. The fastest- Once securely in place on the ocean growing plants shade out floor, each spore will slowly, over the next few their neighbors in a race for days, divide to form a tiny chain of cells. This sunlight and space. small chain is the next stage of the “invisible” In about one year, a phase of the kelp’s life story: the gametophyte 100-foot-tall mature giant phase. Some of the tiny chains will become kelp may preside over its kelp male plants that produce sperm while the oth- forest domain.

11 LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP

Giant Kelp Habitats

Kelp Canopy (Pri.S, Sec.S & Adv.S) kelp forest provides food and shelter for a completely different variety of ani- HABITATS mals. And many of the animals share habitats, interacting with one another A habitat is the part of an and often influencing each other’s kelp ecosystem where an organism spends forest ecology and survival. its life: where it collects food and retreats for shelter. For the dolphin, the The Kelp Canopy entire ocean makes up its habitat. For The canopy zone is at the sur- others, like the bryozoan, a single face of the water. This buoyant layer of blade of kelp is its home. The kelp plant kelp can grow to over 50 feet, some- supports and sustains the habitats of a times twice the length of its height wide variety of unique animals. In fact, from the ocean floor, and is easily visi- Sandy the kelp forests can be divided into ble from the shore. The long fronds of or the kelp spreads out and entwines to Rocky three very different habitats: the kelp Bottom canopy, the mid-water zone, and the form a dense floating mat, creating a Holdfast holdfast. Each zone throughout the shadowy forest below. Thus, the canopy accounts for 95% of the kelp photosynthesis, absorbing the most direct sunlight. The canopy provides shelter, hid- ing places, and food for a multitude of organisms, including frond dwellers: kelp crabs, Melibe nudi- branchs, kelp isopods, hydroids, bry- ozoan colonies, black sea hares, pipe fish and Norris’ kelp snails. Surface-dwelling fishes like giant , topsmelt, anchovies and sardines feed on the small snails, isopods and crabs that crawl about and feed on the blades and stipe of the canopy layer. Several species of young rockfish find food and protection from 12 LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP predators for a few weeks before they zone of the kelp forest their home. Sea take up residence on the sea floor. The anemones and plant-like gorgonians canopy also provides a resting place for colorfully dot the ocean floor in rocky sea otters and food for sea gulls, peli- areas, while in more sandy zones of the cans, great blue herons, great egrets kelp forest, bat rays, guitarfish, and and cormorants. round stingrays bury themselves in the sand for shelter. Bat stars and sea Mid-water Zone cucumbers move slowly across the Beneath the sun-drenched sand or holdfast. Senorita fish hide by canopy of kelp on the surface, we reach quickly disappearing with a dive into the mid-water zone where there are the sandy bottom. At night, leopard fewer hiding places. Here, the kelp is sharks, sharks, horn sharks and made up mostly of stipes connecting others will ascend from resting among Drift the canopy all the way down to the the rocks, and begin their hunts around Kelp holdfast and creating an open zone for the holdfast zone. both predators and prey to swim throughout. Dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, bat rays and other large preda- tors search for food, chasing schools of fish all through the swaying kelp. Opaleye, senoritas and blacksmith are common fish that school together for protection, and feed on kelp blades and floating plankton. Kelp bass are both predators and prey, and easily find shelter in the kelp as camouflage, (Pri.S, Sec.S & Adv.S) while snails make their homes gliding up and down and feeding on the stipes. California Coastal Kelp Habitats Kelp Holdfast Along with attached-growing The holdfast at the base of the kelp, two other important kelp habitats kelp does more than just secure it to include drift kelp and kelp wracks. the ocean floor: here we find the secret These habitats, like the kelp growing hiding places of many shy and secre- in the forests, provide refuge and food tive little animals, protected by the to a variety of marine species. knotty branches and tangled fingers of the haptera. Anemones, brittle stars, Drift Kelp juvenile kelpfish, bryozoans, hydroids, The fronds and blades of the , amphipods and other young upper canopy are often pulled or ripped fish all take up residency in the safety away from the body of the kelp during of the holdfast, where there’s always storms and heavy surge. Before these plenty of food drifting about at the bot- broken and floating masses of seaweed tom of the ocean. can be washed to shore, they some- Nearby, surrounded by rocky times create the basis of a transient outcroppings and competing for marine community. Drifting off to sea, crevices, there are even more dwellers. they become home to a variety of open , bat stars, octopus, sea water animals. Shrimp and small fish urchins, and fish- like the bluebanded seek out the shelter they find beneath goby, garibaldi, moray eel, cabezon, the kelp, which can also attract larger and sheephead- make the rocky bottom fish like tuna and sunfish. Fishermen 13 LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP drift- which they often call a kelp fringes of giant kelp forests. Because of paddy- and take advantage by dropping its more rugged structure, it can han- their fishing lines nearby. If a kelp drift dle the pounding and thrashing of dies, losing its buoyancy, then it sinks waves much better than the larger to the ocean floor to become part of kelp. another important , feeding Even more hardy in the rougher water is a palm-tree-looking kelp, aptly animals like , urchin, named the sea palm. Small in size- snails and sea cucumbers. growing up to 3 feet in height- it is very flexible and can bend completely over, allowing it to withstand the pounding surf of even the largest waves. It is the hardiest kelp, growing where others can’t in shallow, sunlit waters off the coast. Along the floor of the kelp forest, and covering both rocks and shells all Kelp Kelp Wrack along the coast, are several species of Wrack Walking along the beach, or red algae. Their abundance gives the exploring a pool, it’s common to ocean floor a red appearance. Giant kelp appears brown, and there are come across tattered kelp fronds - a Kelp wrack some algae species that are green. is an kelp wrack washed up on the shore. As important you come closer, dozens of kelp flies (Adv.S) element of rise up and then return to feeding on the beach the rotting kelp. Such kelp also attracts Algae beach hoppers and other small shore Giant kelp is just one member of the ecosystem. animals. These become prey to crus- group of “plants” called algae. Algae are differ- taceans and mollusks that reside along ent than vascular land plants, which have But many of roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Algae have no the surf, attracting in turn, the many our local leaves, no stems or flowers, and no roots. Kelp, birds that feed on them. Meanwhile, beaches are also called seaweed, is an algae- nonvascular the kelp wrack breaks down from the and living in water. groomed or beating of the waves and bleaching of Water-dwelling “plants”, such as giant racked to look the sun, becoming food for bacteria and kelp, are entirely exposed to water at all times. “pretty” for smaller animals. Its nutrients continue Also, all of their parts can perform photosyn- thesis, unlike the trunks, stems and roots of a beach tourist to be recycled into the subtidal commu- and visitors land plant or tree. That’s the difference nity over a 20 to 23 day . between vascular plants and nonvascular while algae. decimating (Pri.S, Sec.S & Adv.S) There are three kinds of algae: red, the natural green and brown, so named because of the pri- beach habi- Kelp Classification mary color they appear to our naked eye. Their tat. colors are determined by the pigment the plant There are at least 20 different produces to catch sunlight. Giant kelp are in the order of brown species of kelp growing along the algae called the Laminariales. These brown California coastline. There are large algae all share the same life cycle and begin as kelp, like the giant kelp, while others a single leaf-like blade from which they grow are smaller and may live in shallower into different forms. waters among the crashing, surging There are at least 20 different species waves along rocky shores. One of the of kelp (members of the order Laminariales) more common companions to the giant growing along the California coast. These mag- kelp is called the feather boa which can nificent amber brown form some of grow up to 30 feet in length. It is often the most structurally complex habitats in the found around the outer and inner ocean making homes for thousands of species.

14 LIFE HISTORY of the GIANT KELP KELP COLOR & QUIZ

1. Bull kelp luetkeana 2. Seersucker kelp Costaria costata 3. Giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera

4. Sea palm arborea 5. Elk kelp 11 porra 10 6. Feather boa kelp menziesii

7. Ribbon kelp marginata

8.

9. augusta

10. Rhodymenia californica 11. Sea lettuce Ulva california

8

9

2

1 3

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15 WILDLIFE of the KELP FOREST WILDLIFE COLOR & QUIZ

1. 3 Myliobatis californica 2. Garibaldi Hypsypops rubicundus 1 3. Kelpfish Heterostichus rostratus 4 4. Pacific barracuda Sphyraena argentea 5. Sheephead Semicossyphus pulcher 6. Bay pipefish Syngnathus leptorhynchus 2 5 7. Kelp bass 6

8. Senorita californica 9. Blacksmith Chromis punctipinnis 7 10. 8 Strongylocentrotus purpuratus 11. Northern anchovy Engraulis mordax 12. Phoca vitulina 9 13. Shovelnose guitarfish Rhinobatos productus

14. 11 Triakis semifasciata 15. Ochre sea star 12 Pisaster ochracens 10 16. Bat star Asterina miniata 17. Giant sea star Pisaster giganteus 13 18. Horn shark 16 Heterodontus francisci 19. Cabezon Scorpaenichthys marmoratus 20. California 15 Panulirus interruptus 17 21. Sea hare Aplysia californica 14 22. Kelp producta 22. Red abalone 18

Enlarge this illustration 155% and print on 11 x 17 paper - as a QUIZ & 19 COLORING PAGE

21 20 22 23

16 WILDLIFE of the KELP FOREST

(Sec.S & Adv.S) larvae waiting discovery under the Giant microscope. Many settle into place and Kelp Kelp Isopods, Bryozoans and secure themselves onto a blade. The & Hydroids tiny hydroid, Eucopella Sp., appears like Wildlife a tiny stalked flower. Kelp blades provide a home for a The hydroid divides group of microscopically small ani- and spreads mals called bryozoans. Plant-like in appearance, the bryozoans attach across a kelp themselves in large interconnect- blade like a ed colonial groups to their blade microscopic home. The bryozoan is a filter garden. feeder. It captures food by expand- ing a funnel-shaped set of tentacles called the lophophore which draws in small plankton to the bryozoan’s mouth. Bryozoan colony Under Bryozoans begin their lives as the free-swimming larvae and are a part of Microscope the ocean’s . They settle on a kelp blade to live their entire lives attached there. In colonies, these bry- ozoans then reproduce by budding. In budding, the adult organism grows a small copy of itself on the side of its body. This new builds its own home next to its parent. Then the process is repeated over and over again until a colony of bryozoans begins to develop in a circular pattern on a blade. Eventually the bryozoans produce eggs and sperm and create free-swimming larvae which leave the kelp blade in search of a new blade to live on where they will create yet another colony.

Another common kelp blade inhabitant is the kelp isopod, Idotea. Usually an inch in size, these animals scoot around on the blades that float on the ocean surface. If you were to swim through a canopy of kelp, you might find yourself covered in these tiny organisms. They march around on the floating blades eating holes in the kelp and blending in perfectly, camouflaged and unseen by their predators: rock- fish, kelp bass and other kelp forest fish. Drifting through a kelp canopy are a vast variety of microscopic animal 17 WILDLIFE of the KELP FOREST (Pri.S, Sec.S & Adv.S) Normally sea urchins hide in the PREDATORS of the cracks and crevices of rocks, eating the KELP FOREST bits of kelp that float by. But with the shortage of kelp plants, urchins began Sea Urchins a slow-motion march in search of food. Battalions as dense as 200 urchins per Predators, like wolves on land or square yard munched on the holdfasts sharks in the ocean, play an invaluable of surviving kelp, setting entire kelp Purple role in their environments, keeping forests adrift. sea urchin populations in check and creating a Strongylocentrotus Biologists have tried to control purpuratus more healthy ecosystem of life by sea urchin populations by poisoning 4 inches weeding out the sickly prey. Sea otters, them with quicklime, and even sending spiny lobsters and sheephead- the pri- volunteer divers on killing missions. mary predators of sea urchins- used to But these efforts are generally unsuc- keep the urchin populations at a con- cessful. However, it now appears that trolled and healthy number, ensuring a human appetites are the best hope for healthy kelp forest. But as early as the kelp. In recent years, the Japanese 1800s, hunters had driven otters to desire for urchin roe (a delicacy called near extinction, and today they can no uni) has turned the creatures into a Red longer be found in Southern California. thriving in California. sea urchin Spiny lobsters and sheephead have Strongylocentrotus Unfortunately, these divers collect only franciscanus also become scarce from over-fishing the larger red urchins, leaving behind 5 inches around our California kelp forests. the small purple urchins which contin- Without their key predators, sea ue to feast on the kelp. The problem is urchins have become overpopulated. far from solved. With their incessant appetites, they It’s important to see how every- can destroy a kelp forest leaving thing is connected, and how our deci- desert-like areas known as urchin bar- sions- like pumping sewage into the rens. Where once there was an entire ocean- affects hundreds of other ecosystem of life thriving amongst a species down the line. kelp forest, now there are desert-like A number of human factors set in barren reefs, rocks and sand beds. motion the decline of the kelp forests: Sea urchins have been especial- the over-hunting and over-fishing of ly troubling to Southern California’s urchin predators, the harvesting of kelp forest since the 1950s, when cities kelp, and the pollution of coastal along the coast began pumping waters. Polluted urban runoff and untreated sewage directly into the coastal development can also impair ocean. This raw pollution decreased the successful proliferation of kelp due water clarity and inhibited kelp to the burial or scouring of juvenile growth. Meanwhile urchins prospered, Sea kelp by sedimentation. impervious to the filthy water. Otter People clearly play an important role in the health of our kelp forest environment.

18 KELP RESTORATION (Adv.S) waters from rain run-off and storm drains. When CLEAN WATER and KELP FOREST we carelessly pollute, such toxins come back to Giant CONCERNS harm us down the line, like when we get sick from Kelp eating sick fish. Concerns There has been growing concern among scientists about the overall decline of - Scientists measure the clarity of kelp and animal species along our California water to determine how many particulates (tiny coast. Clearly, we are able to see changes in the little particles of stuff) are floating around. If environment. But how do scientists prove this? you’re standing in the surf on a calm summer day, What do scientists measure to see if their you might be able to see to the bottom. That’s low hypotheses are correct? turbidity. On the other hand, if you visit the beach after a rainstorm when all the particulates and - When you don’t feel well, chances muck has been stirred up, you won’t be able to see are the first thing someone does is take your tem- the bottom; that’s high turbidity. perature. Scientists measure water temperature for several reasons. First, the temperature of a Bacteria - Scientists sample for certain types of habitat determines the kinds of animals that can bacteria that are found only in the intestinal tract survive there. If the temperature gets too hot or of animals and humans. These bacteria, called too cold for some organisms, they die. fecal coliforms, are not necessarily harmful, but Temperature also can affect the chemistry of the they usually hang out with some bad characters water. For example, warm water holds less oxygen like viruses and pathogens, which can make you than cold water. (And everybody needs oxygen!) sick. The major sources of fecal coliforms are peo- ple’s failing septic systems, wastewater treatment Dissolved oxygen - Just like human beings, plant discharges, and animal waste (including cow aquatic life needs oxygen to survive. Scientists manure and your doggy’s droppings). measure DO (pronounced dee-oh) - dissolved oxy- gen. This tells them how much oxygen is available Visual surveys - Not all measurements are chem- in the water for fish and other aquatic organisms ical or physical. Scientists take measurements of to breathe. Healthy waters generally have high lev- the landscape surrounding a to determine els of DO (some areas, like swamps, naturally have things like the amount of trees and shrubs along a low levels of DO). Several factors can affect how waterway, the amount of shade that is created by EPA much DO is in the water including temperature trees overhanging streams, and woody debris United States and pollution in the water. (sticks and leaves) in the streams. The more vege- Environmental tation, tree cover, and woody debris, the more Protection pH - The p stands for “potential of” and the H is healthy a habitat is for wildlife and fish. Vegetation Agency for hydrogen. Scientists measure pH to determine can trap pollutants before they enter the ocean. , the concentration of hydrogen in the water (pH And tree cover can help regulate a healthy water OCEANS and ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with temperature, which is important to trout and other WATERSHEDS 7 being neutral. Most waters range from 6.5 to 8.5. fish that need cold water to survive. Changes in pH can affect how chemicals dissolve www.epa.gov in the water and whether organisms are affected Biological sampling - Scientists determine the by them. High acidity can be deadly to fish and health of waters by counting individual fish, plants other aquatic organisms. and by taking samples of smaller organisms called macroinvertebrates (mack-row-in-ver-tuh-bretts). Nutrients - Just as nutrients are critical for you to Macroinvertebrates include things like snails, grow (check out the nutrition label on a box of worms, fly larvae, and crayfish (“crawdads”). You cereal- all essential nutrients), nutrients are criti- can find them under rocks and tree roots in the cal to plants and animals, too. The two major water. These critters tell a story about the health nutrients scientists measure are nitrogen and of the stream. Some of them love to live in water phosphorus. The presence of too many nutrients that’s dirty, so if scientists find a lot of those in a can hurt aquatic organisms by causing too much sample, they know there’s a problem. Other organ- algae to grow in the water. Nutrients can also isms can survive only in water that’s very clean, so affect pH, water clarity and temperature, and finding those means the water is probably healthy. cause water to smell and look bad.

Toxic Substances - Scientists also test for many harmful (toxic) pollutants like metal, pesticides, and oil. For example, scientists are finding mercu- Red abalone ry in certain types of fish. Such toxins get into our Haliotis rufescens 19 KELP RESTORATION (Adv.S) Giant Methods: Kelp Kelp Cultivation Day 1 - Sporophyll Preparation Cultivation In order to culture giant kelp, an “Eco-Kart” Numerous healthy sporophylls of a giant (a specially designed cold-water system) kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) will be delivered to your is utilized. The system’s compact and mobile profile classroom by the Keeper program staff in your area. is perfect for a classroom setting. Most likely, these sporophylls were collected the day Attempting to mimic the natural marine before and possess noticeable Sori (dark stains con- conditions along our coast, the aquarium system taining zoospores) on their surface. incorporates wide-spectrum and fluorescent light- These sporophylls must be kept in cold sea- ing, a timer, a water chiller and thermostat, and a water in order to avoid excessive premature spore submersible pump. release. Water is re-circulated through a “Sump to Tray” system. An additional tray (used for sporing) 1. Once in the classroom, place the sporophylls into creates a cold water bath complex. For more detailed a clean plastic tray or tub. information concerning the Eco-Kart, please refer to its operating manual. 2. Using a toothbrush, lightly scrub the sporophylls One of the biggest obstacles in culturing to ensure removal of all debris, removing all algae in a laboratory or classroom setting is the , bryozoans, and other encrusting organ- presence of contaminants. Once introduced, these isms. unwanted organisms (both animals and algae) can out-compete giant kelp for space, light, and nutri- 3. Using chilled artificial seawater in a squeeze bot- ents. For this reason, it is imperative that every tle, rinse the sporophylls off over the plastic tub. It is effort is made to keep the aquarium system and the imperative that the now clean sporophylls are not following culturing materials clean. Only nutrient- placed back in the tub. enriched artificial seawater made from deionized water should be used for cultivation. 4. Next, take a paper towel and gently dry the sporo- Some other simple tips for reducing the pos- phylls. sibility of contaminant’s include: - All glassware should be sterilized in boiling water. 5. Wrap the dry sporophylls in a fresh paper towel - Wipe down work areas and Eco-Kart system with making a kelp burrito and moisten the towel with a 10% bleach solution. seawater. - Keep students fingers and hands out of the Eco- Kart’s water. 6. Wrap again in aluminum foil and place in a refrig- - Keep the system’s trays covered with acrylic erator (15° C) overnight, allowing for photoshock to sheets. occur.

Materials: Biological Significance of Photoshock Chilled aquarium system, or an “Eco-Kart” Kelp wrack that was washed ashore becomes Refrigerator (15° C) stressed because of the dry conditions. The Artificial, nutrient-enriched seawater * overnight light-cycle, combined with the stressful Ceramic tile strips desiccation situation, induces the kelp plant to release zoospores upon water contact. Waves wash- Compound microscope ing on shore during high tide will carry the Scissors zoospores out to sea and ensure the kelp’s germ-line Aluminum foil survival. Paper towels Squeeze bottles Day 2 - Spore Release & Count Plastic tubs or trays 1. Remove the sporophyll from the refrigerator and Slides (scraped on one side) place in mason jars filled with chilled artificial sea- Mason jars water. After 2 hours, the seawater will begin to turn 50ml graduated cylinder yellow-brown due to the release of zoospores. Under 500ml Erlenmeyer flask the microscope, these zoospores will appear as 1ml pipettes bean-shaped, flagellated organisms. Zoospores are Hemacytometer only capable of swimming for approximately 24 hours. Toothbrushes 2. Remove the sporophylls from the mason jars, but *Artificial Seawater: allow the jars to sit for another hour to allow algal To artificial seawater with a salinity of ~35ppt, mucous and contaminant’s to settle to the bottom. 50µM of Nitrates (NO3) and 6.25µM of Phosphates (PO4) should be added. 3. Decant the top half of the jar’s contents into a Example: For 100 liters of artificial 500ml Erlenmeyer flask. This is the spore solution that you will use to make the appropriate inoculum seawater, 0.425 grams of NO3 dilution. and 0.135 grams of PO4 would be added. 20 KELP RESTORATION Day 2- (continued) 4. Obtain a clean hemacytometer and some sterile acts as a cold-water bath system and minimizes dis- pipettes. turbance to settling spores. The aquarium thermostat should be set to 15° C with a 1° deviation. Also, the 5. Withdraw one pipette-full of spore solution and fill aquarium lights should remain off for this initial 24- the hemacytometer in the following manner: place a hour period. cover slip on the hemacytometer. Carefully touch the edge of the cover slip with your pipette tip and allow Day 3 - Waiting 24 hours the chamber to fill by capillary action.

6. Place the hemacytometer under the microscope. Day 4 - Tile Transfer Count the number of spores found on the grid in the 1. After 24 hours, the tiles and slides are transferred following manner: out of the sporing tray and into the regular, circulat- ing tray. Additional artificial seawater should be First blade split This is the small 4x4 grid added at this time to compensate for removal of the in which you count! sporing tray.

1. Count enough of these squares until 2. The light source should be turned on and set to a 14 you think you have a representative number of hr on/10 hr off light cycle. counts. Clean your hemacytometer. 3. The aquarium thermostat should remain set at 15°C 2. Put another sample in and count the number of with a 1° deviation. spores. Do enough samples until you feel that the numbers you are getting are in the same range. Day 5-30 - Kelp Growth & System Maintenance 3. Obtain an average of all these numbers. 1. Water changes of approximately 2 gallons should Use the following calculation as a guide: be made to the culturing system twice a week. It is Example: best to add new artificial seawater directly to the sys- Sample #1 count average = 16 tem’s sump after draining out the “old” water. Sample #2 count average = 19 Sample # 3 count average = 22 2. Kelp growth and development can be monitored Average: (16 + 19 + 22)/ 3 = 19 through the use of the inoculated slides. The inoculat- If you obtained four samples, divide the sum of your ed slides should be removed carefully by the teacher numbers by four, if five samples, by five etc. or supervising adult in order to avoid accidentally wiping off the settled kelp spores. 4. Divide the average number of spores per grid by 4 and this will give you the number that is the number x 106 of spores per milliliter. WARNING!!! Keeping inoculated slides out of the Example: Eco-Kart or aquarium system for more than a few Average spore count was 19 (see above), so minutes will kill the developing kelp plants. 19/4 is 4.75. The initial concentration of the Within a few days, zoospores should begin to show spore solution will then be 4.75 x 106 formation of a germination tube. At first, this appears spore/ml. simply as a bump, but eventually elongates to form a tube. Within two weeks, male and female gameto- 5. Dilute your spore solution to 1 x 104. You can use phyte appear from a bulge at the end of the germina- the following equation to make the dilution: tion tube. The gametophyte will appear as spherical, Concentration of B x Volume of B (ml) = oval, or teardrop shaped forms. The male gameto- Concentration of A x Volume of A (ml) phyte tends to be small, lumpy and pale green. The more conspicuous female gametophyte is large and Example: Concentration of B has rounded blobs that are yellow or golden. The (final concentration you want) = 1 x 104 females will produce eggs after 10-14 days. These Volume of B eggs will protrude out of an empty cell wall. (final volume you want) = 6,000ml Fertilization will occur after the egg is extruded and a Concentration of A resultant embryo is formed. As the embryonic sporo- (concentration you have now) = 4.75 x 106 phyte develops, mitotic division is rampant resulting Volume of A (unknown) = ??? in a “corn on the cob” microscopic appearance. Within Therefore(1 x 104)(6,000) = (4.75 x 106)(Unknown a month, kelp sporophyte in the form of a single blade Volume) Unknown Volume = 12.6ml should be visible with the naked eye.

This means that to 5,987.4 ml (6,000-12.6) of artificial seawater, you would add 12.6ml of spore solution cre- ating the appropriate inoculum solution.

6. Place the 6,000ml inoculum solution into the “Sporing Tray” of the aquarium along with ceramic tile strips and a few scraped slides. The sporing tray 21 KELP RESTORATION Kelp Cultivation Data Sheet NAME: ______Date Time Temperature of the tank (°C):

______Using a microscope, look at a slide from the tank using the 10x objective lens. GRADE: ______Draw your observations : SCHOOL: ______Now switch to the 40x lens.

TEAM of OBSERVERS: ______Draw your observations : ______

______Can you identify what stage of development the microscopic kelp is in? Circle One: ______Zoospore Male Gametophyte Female Gametophyte Sporophyte

Can you detect any contaminants (organisms that we don’t want growing) on your slide? Draw your observations :

Date Time Temperature of the tank (°C):

Using a microscope, look at a slide from the tank using the 10x objective lens.

Draw your observations :

Now switch to the 40x lens.

Draw your observations :

Can you identify what stage of development the microscopic kelp is in? Circle One: Zoospore Male Gametophyte Female Gametophyte Sporophyte

Can you detect any contaminants (organisms that we don’t want growing) on your slide? Draw your observations :

22 KELP VOCABULARY algae single or multicellular animals without a spinal Giant photosynthetic organism; column or backbone such as Kelp primarily aquatic, such as jellyfish, urchins, sea stars Vocabulary seaweed kelp large , somtimes algin substance found in marine called seaweed algae, especially giant kelp; used as a stabilizer, kelp wrack dying or dried kelp that has emulsifier, and thickening been pushed ashore by agent in foods such as ice waves, winds and currents cream and toothpaste photosynthesis blade leaf-like appendage of algae process by which plants and algae use solar energy bryozoan microscopic aquatic (sunlight) to convert carbon that live in dioxide and water into colonies on rocks or seaweed oxygen and the chemical energy of sugars canopy upper growth of kelp blades that reaches the water plankton free-floating aquatic lifeforms surface that are often microscopic in size crustacean external skeleton arthropods like lobsters, crabs, shrimp planktonic plants dead organic material zooplankton planktonic animals with a pollution contamination by “spiny-skin” or skeleton manmade waste plates which support the animals body; can be fused predator an animal that preys on other together as in a sea star or animals for food joined into a rigid shell as in a sea urchin gas-filled bladder or float that ecosystem components of the gives buoyancy to giant kelp environment including the living and non-living parts of sanctuary a protected habitat land, streams, rivers, and oceans scimitar blade the tip of a blade with newly habitat the home or environment forming blades where a plant or animal lives seaweed general term for marine algae food chain ongoing cycle in which each organism or animal eats the spore a cell that can germinate into next one in the sequence and a new individual plant is in turn eaten by another further up the chain sporophyll specialized reproductive kelp blades that produce spores haptera branching root-like strands that anchor a kelp plant to stipe stem-like part of the kelp the substrate upwelling the movement of deep cool, holdfast haptera base which secures nutrient-rich ocean water up kelp to the substrate, usually to the surface waters a rock

23 CALIFORNIA KELP FOREST

KELP ORGANIZATIONS *COSEE-West: A Center for Ocean & PROGRAMS Sciences Education Excellence* The Division of Ocean Sciences in the National Science Foundation Reference Books funds the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education & Writings: Excellence (COSEEs) nationwide to facilitate collabo- Marine Algae of California rations and communications between ocean science by Abbott and Hollenberg researchers and educators. One of these centers is Stanford University Press COSEE-West, a collaboration between the University of SeaLife, Smithsonian Southern California and the University of California by Waller, Dando and Burchett Los Angeles. Research-oriented marine science facuty The Amber Forest at USC and UCLA partner with local school districts by McPeak, Glantz and Shaw and informal science centers to create a network of Watersport Publishing, Inc. 1988 oceanographic researchers, K-12 educators, and Kelp Forest informal science educators to disseminate information by Connor and Baxter about ocean sciences as broadly as possible throughout Aquarium the greater Los Angeles area. Seaweeds of the Pacific Coast by Mondragon and Mondragon Project AWARE and A Sea Challengers Publication Kids AWARE Aquatic world wareness, responsibililty & education. At the www.projectaware.org California KELP ORGANIZATIONS Science & KELP EDUCATION Enter the River of Words Center Environmental Poetry and Art Contest. River of Words® promotes we aspire to California Science Center watershed awareness and environmental stimulate 700 State Drive Los Angeles, CA 90037 literacy through art and poetry. Their curiosity and "Watershed Explorer" curriculum (K-12) inspire science 323-724-3623 supports their free, annual youth poetry and art learning in www.californiasciencecenter.org contest, conducted in affiliation with The Library of everyone by Congress. Girl Scouts can also earn two patches, the creating fun, Natural History Museum Water Drop Patch and the Watershed Patch, developed memorable by River of Words and the US EPA. This innovative non- of Los Angeles experiences, profit organization was founded in 1995 by then - because we 900 Exposition Boulevard US Poet Laureate Robert Hass and writer Pamela Michael. value science Los Angeles, CA 90007 Visit http:/www.riverofwords.org,send an email to as an 213 -763-3348 [email protected], or call (510) 548-POEM indispensable www.nhm.org California Coastal Art & Poetry Contest tool for The California Coastal Commission invites understanding Cabrillo Marine Aquarium California students in kindergarten through 12th our world, grade to submit artwork or poetry with a California accessibility 3720 Stephen White Drive San Pedro, CA 90731 coastal or marine theme to the annual contest. For and contest deadlines, rules, entry form and awards, visit inclusiveness, (310) 548-7562 http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/poster/poster.html, and enriching www.cabrilloaq.org email [email protected], or call (800) Coast-4U. people’s lives. Heal the Bay 3220 Nebraska Avenue California Coastkeeper Alliance Santa Monica, CA 90404 2515 Wilshire Blvd. The mission (800) HEAL-BAY Santa Monica, CA 90403 of the www.heathebay.org www.cacoastkeeper.org. Natural Santa Monica Baykeeper History P.O. Box 10096 Museum of Channel Island Marina del Rey, CA 90295 Los Angeles National Marine Sanctuary (310) 305-9645 County is to 3600 S. Harbor Boulevard Ste.217 www.smbaykeeper.or inspire wonder, Oxnard, CA 93035 discovery and (805) 382-6151 San Diego Baykeeper responsibility www.cinms.nos.noaa.gov 2924 Emerson Street, Suite 220 for our natural San Diego, CA 92106 and cultural (619) 758-7743 Aquarium of the Pacific www.sdbaykeeper.org worlds. 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802 Ventura Coastkeeper 3600 S. Harbor Blvd. Suite 218 562-590-3100 Oxnard, CA 93-35 www.aquariumofpacific.org (805) 382-4540 www.wistoyo.org 24 CALIFORNIA KELP FOREST PROJECT PARTICIPANTS: Scientific Advisors, Contributors and Acknowledgements:

“Keepers do www.californiasciencecenter.org what we do because we recognize that nature enrich- es us. It is our infrastructure. Fresh Inspiration for Ocean Conservation www.nhm.org It enriches us www.santamonicabay.org www.blueocean.org aesthetically and recreationally, culturally, and spiritually, and www.projectaware.org historically. It connects us to www.smbas.org www.healthebay.org our history, www.laaudubon.org and to who we are as a www.smepd.org people, to the common bond that we have as Americans. www.cacoastkeeper.org When we destroy nature, www.cabrilloaq.org we diminish ourselves and www.usc. edu/org/seagrant www.smbaykeeper.org we impoverish our children.”

Robert F. CALIFORNIA KELP FOREST, Scientific advisors: Kennedy, Jr. Science and Activity Guide Charles D. Kopczak ph.d.: kelp ecology Founder for Teachers Jeffrey A. Seigel ph.d.: vertebrates-fishes and President was funded by the Daniel Gotshall: biologist of the Santa Monica Bay Waterkeeper Book editing: Dr. Kelp Charles D. Kopczak ph.d. Restoration Commission Alliance PIE GRANT 2005-2006 Writing and editing: Dominique Navarro Illustrations: Dawn E. Navarro

Project advisor: Tom Ford: captain kelp Laura Bodensteiner kelp cultivating advisor: Colleen Wisniewski design & book production: manta publications electronic production: Morgan Garrard Printing consultant: Peter Praed

Kelp forest lesson plan A special thank you to Ken Vanderveen, Science Teacher at Lincoln Middle School SMSD

Printed in the USA by Ojai printing, Ojai, California

www.mantapublications.com © 2006-Dawn Navarro Ericson January 2006

Dear School Principals,

The California Kelp Forest Program features Californiaís kelp forest . The study of kelp and the kelp forest offers a unique opportunity to understand vital science concepts while having fun learning about the Southern California environment. Each school will receive four natural history posters of the California Kelp Forest. The posters display logos and web sites of organizations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica that can support science teachers with classroom activities. Additionally, the posters provide information on comprehensive study programs within the Los Angeles area. Please distribute these posters to science teachers, the school librarian, and other appropriate staff. Schools will also receive one single copy of the Science and Activity Guide For Teacher-California Kelp Forest. The guide provides current educational information. While this guide is very useful, alignment of this resource to the grade level science California content standards is essential. For additional resources to support the science content standards, please contact a Mathematics Science Technology (MST) Center or local district Science Expert/Specialist. It is recommended that the Science and Activity Guide For Teacher-California Kelp Forest be placed in the professional resource library. For assistance or further information please contact Norma Baker, Director, Elementary Programs at (213) 241-6444 or Todd Ullah, Director, Secondary Science at (213) 241-6880.

Dive in and discover giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera.