Interpretive Dive: Oregon Kelp Forest May 14, 2011

Did you know there are vast underwater forests right off the Oregon coast? Bull kelp, with massive blades stretching as long as 100 feet, form an intricate aquatic habitat that is vital to the survival of many coastal species. The kelp provides a food source for everything from snails to crabs to sea urchins. And the blades provide shelter and hunting grounds for a variety of fish, marine mammals and sea birds. From the SCUBA Diver's View--The Aquarium is now offering weekly interpretive dives in our Oregon Kelp Forest exhibit which simulate this coastal habitat. There is no additional cost for these programs, but they do offer our visitors the chance to understand how these environments support a multitude of life by speaking directly to an Aquarium SCUBA diver from inside the habitat.