Kelp Forests

Kelp is a type of seaweed that grows in underwater forests. These forests are important areas in the ocean. The space underneath the kelp canopies supports a variety of animals. This can include sea anemones, sea squirts, sponges, and other seaweeds. Over 1800 species have been recorded in kelp forests in the UK.

These underwater forests help shelter young fish and are important nursery grounds for commercial fish and shellfish. This diversity of life attracts other marine predators, and it’s not uncommon to see seals, otters, birds, and even killer whales hunting among the kelp. Yell’s rocky coastline is a great place to find these kelp forests.

Kelp plays an important role in the transfer of carbon throughout the marine ecosystem. Most of the carbon in kelp is stored within its living tissue in the stem and fronds. The carbon stored within living kelp contributes to marine carbon capture. However, when pieces break off as is common during Shetland’s winter gales, the kelp debris still holds the carbon within it. This leftover kelp debris can then be buried in sediments out at sea, or eaten by other animals as food. The transfer of carbon to other animals in this way is called carbon donation.