Shallow Rocky Reefs

Kelp Ecklonia radiata dominates in northern waters of new Zealand. Though it is much smaller than giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera, bladder kelp in NZ) so it cannot form kelp forests similar to those in California or Tasmania, it creates fascinating habitats, especially in the areas with steep rocky reefs.

Keywords: rocky reef “rocky reef” rock shallow steep vertical kelp forest Ecklonia radiata brown algae stalked vegetation flora encrusted underwater undersea Pacific ocean temperate