Why??

Importance in the Environment

 Over the years since air and water pollution have been on the rise, kelp has taken a very large setback as California waters are known for being the most contaminated and polluted. (Barboza, LA Times) The forests as a whole have deteriorated and diminished because of drastic changes to the environment’s climate and increased pollutants in the ocean water caused by massive amounts of runoff.  “Sludge, silt or sewage dumped near kelp forests can cover and destroy the kelp, even in their microscopic stage.” (Conservation, Monterey Bay Aquarium) Being home to many sea creatures and the base to the entire underwater ecosystem the damage of just some portions affects the whole greatly; every square inch of kelp is essential. Animals that find themselves reliant upon the kelp forest for nutrients or shelter find their lives to be in danger or in seriously unhealthy situations with the wuthering away of their survival source.