Kelp forests have a big role in the Salish Sea.

They are home to many animals like sea otters, spider crabs and fish.

Kelp forests also reduce climate change

by reducing carbon. They also produce

oxygen so if there was no kelp we would have less then half of the oxygen we have now.

But the kelp forests are dying and there getting eaten by sea urchins. Thats why sea otters play an important role in kelp forests because they eat the sea urchins. so the sea otters help save the kelp forests and get a meal.

The kelp forest doesnt just give animals food.

It gives animals homes it shelters small fish and crabs and other small animals from predators.

And if you dont know what a kelp forest looks like heres a picture on the right

See that purple spikey thing ? Thats a sea urchin

they eat the kelp

Spider crabs hide in the kelp to camoflauge.

 In some places their arms can get to 12 feet

but in the Salish sea the only get to about 6 inches.

There is a picture of a spider crab on the right

Salmon and rockfish also live in the Salish Sea.

Salmon are dying from warming waters, harmful algea  and acidity and commercial fishing