How fast does giant kelp grow

These brown algae communities live in clear water conditions through which light penetrates easily. Rich in biodiversity, kelp forests grow along rocky shorelines, mostly on the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Baja, California. Alaska is home to three types of kelp : Macrocystis two kinds, one of which is giant kelp , Nereocystis luetkeana bull kelp and Alaria fistulosa.

Seaweed has many culinary and alternative medicine uses. Seaweed is a large variety of algae that grows in both fresh and salt water. It is possible to grow your own seaweed at home in a large aquarium using salt water you make on the stove. Leave the aquarium in a sunny spot so the seaweed will grow properly. This majestic giant of the kelp forest grows faster than tropical bamboo—about three to five inches each day in our exhibit and 10 to 12 inches in the bay.

Under ideal conditions, giant kelp can grow an astonishing two feet each day. Does kelp or bamboo grow faster? Is kelp the same as seaweed? Though kelp is a kind of seaweed, it is different from seaweed in many aspects.

Kelp is also referred to as large seaweed, which belongs to the brown algae. Classified in the Laminaria order, about genera of Kelp are known. Some of the kelp species are very long, and can even form kelp forests. Is kelp a living thing? The blades of giant kelp help provide refuge for many mores species of fish and invertebrates. Explore This Park.

You Might Also Like. See all animals. See sardines swirl and leopard sharks glide through kelp canopies on our Kelp Forest Cam. Watch live cam. See all stories. Join a donor circle. Renew your donor circle. Leave a legacy. Match your gift. Honor a loved one. See all ways to give. Renew your membership. Give a gift membership. Become a volunteer. Become part of the Aquarium family and enjoy exclusive membership benefits and events. Donate now. Act for the ocean Act for the ocean Plastic pollution.

The challenge. What you can do. What we do. Sustainable seafood. Climate change. California's ocean ecosystems. Conservation stories. Read the story. Shop Two Trees pencils. For educators For educators Learning at home. Online courses. Parent-led activities. Video lessons. Teacher development. Teacher programs. Project-based science examples. Book a field trip. Its fast growth rate and natural means of generating energy from the sun make it an ideal species to grow in these sea farms.

Giant kelp grow to feet 30 m on average but can reach lengths of feet 53 m in ideal conditions. Giant kelp grow at an average rate of 11 inches 28 cm a day but can grow 24 inches 61 cm a day in ideal conditions. Decomposing kelp that sinks to the seafloor provides food for animals in the deep sea. Sea otters wrap themselves in giant kelp to keep from floating away while sleeping. Giant kelp are not plants, but rather extremely large brown algae.

Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids.