Kelp Forest At The Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-class aquarium that showcases the marine life of the Monterey Bay, California. One of the most impressive exhibits at the aquarium is the Kelp Forest exhibit. This exhibit features a giant tank that replicates the underwater environment of a kelp forest. Here's everything you need to know about the Kelp Forest at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
What is a Kelp Forest?
A kelp forest is an underwater ecosystem that is dominated by kelp, which is a type of seaweed. Kelp forests are found in cold, nutrient-rich waters and are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Kelp forests provide habitat for a wide range of marine life, including fish, sea urchins, sea otters, and many species of invertebrates.
The Kelp Forest Exhibit
The Kelp Forest exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a massive tank that holds over 300,000 gallons of water. The tank is 28 feet deep and has a diameter of 90 feet. The exhibit features a variety of marine life that is found in a kelp forest, including giant kelp, leopard sharks, wolf eels, and many species of fish.
The Giant Kelp
The giant kelp is the star of the Kelp Forest exhibit. Giant kelp can grow up to two feet per day and can reach lengths of over 100 feet. The kelp provides habitat, food, and shelter for a variety of marine life. The giant kelp in the Kelp Forest exhibit is grown on site at the aquarium and is harvested every few weeks to keep it healthy and thriving.
The Marine Life
The Kelp Forest exhibit is home to a variety of marine life that is found in a kelp forest. Some of the most impressive species include leopard sharks, wolf eels, and giant sea bass. Visitors can also see schools of fish, sea urchins, and many species of invertebrates.
The Underwater Viewing Area
One of the most impressive features of the Kelp Forest exhibit is the underwater viewing area. Visitors can walk through a tunnel that is surrounded by the tank and get an up-close view of the marine life. The tunnel is a great place to take photos and get a unique perspective on the exhibit.
The Importance of Kelp Forests
Kelp forests are incredibly important ecosystems that provide habitat for a wide range of marine life. They are also important for humans, as they provide food and resources. However, kelp forests are under threat from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The Kelp Forest exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great way to learn about the importance of kelp forests and the threats they face.
Conclusion
The Kelp Forest exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an impressive display of the marine life that is found in a kelp forest. The exhibit is home to a variety of species, including the giant kelp, leopard sharks, and wolf eels. The underwater viewing area is a great place to get a unique perspective on the exhibit. The Kelp Forest exhibit is also a great way to learn about the importance of kelp forests and the threats they face.
