Historical state of kelp forests

Kelp forests have historically been a thriving ecosystem with great diversity of plant and animal life. Kelp is one of the fastest growing plants that exists and provides not only food, but also shelter to many animals (Science Daily 2009). Kelp forests generally require mediocre-temperature water that stays around 40-65 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes the oceans off the coast of California ideal for kelp forests to thrive. There is a variety in the species that are present in the California waters, although two in particular are the most abundant- giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) (montereybay.noaa.gov). Today, kelp forests are still thriving and are incredibly resilient ecosystems, although the global increase in ocean temperature may eventually raise some issues for the forests.