The Westport Library’s Kelp Forests LibGuide explores these vibrant underwater ecosystems—underwater rainforests formed by dense marine macroalgae in cool, shallow coastal waters along North America’s West Coast and temperate global regions. It highlights their role as biodiversity hotspots sheltering fish, invertebrates, sea otters, seals, and birds while facing threats from climate change, ocean warming, and urchin barrens, drawing from NOAA, World Atlas, and Ocean Conservancy. Updated October 18, 2024, this Natural Science series entry links to related marine guides, perfect for Westport students or eco-explorers studying ocean health.
