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Larus heermanni on Macrocystis drift paddy 2012 11-23 SB Channel-010
California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) hiding out in a drifting kelp paddy (Macrocystis pyrifera).
Western gulls (Larus occidentalis) find a resting place on a drifting giant kelp paddy (Macrocystis pyrifera).
Boa Kelp (Egregia menzii) drifting on the open ocean, covered with bryozoans (Membranipora sp.).
Macrocystis, Zostera, Egregia and Phyllospadix jumble together to form this large "kelp paddy" drifting freely on the open ocean. Kelp paddies harbor many small invertebrates, the provide shelter for numerous fish and pinnipeds. Birds often rest on paddies on the high seas. And many species of seaweeds continue to produce spores and potentially colonize new habitats downstream from their original home attached to the sea floor. Kelp also played a major role in the migration and success of prehistoric humans.
On the western edge of the San Juan Seamount, 99.1 miles from Santa Barbara, a lone Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) finds a place to rest on a drifting paddy of Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).
Bull Kelp adrift on the open ocean (Nereocystis lutkeana).
A pelagic drifting giant kelp paddy (Macrocystis pyrifera) with bull kelp (Nereocystis lutkeana) and surf grass (Phylospadix torreyi). Entire giant kelp plants frequently become detached from the ocean floor due to the activities of herbivorous invertebrates and the force of passing waves. Although some of the plant material in this paddy of drifting algae on the open ocean is dead, much of the giant kelp is whole and alive. It continues to produce spores and fosters new kelp growth as it drifts freely in the currents. These huge assemblages of seaweed are havens for many animals that use it as shelter.
Three Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis) and a California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) hang out near a Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) paddy.
Larus heermanni on Macrocystis drift paddy 2012 11-23 SB Channel-010
Larus heermanni on Macrocystis drift paddy 2012 11-23 SB Channel-010
Larus heermanni on Macrocystis drift paddy 2012 11-23 SB Channel-010
See photo in original gallery.
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