Discover the Depths: Top 12 Amazing and Fun Facts About Kelp You Never Knew

1. Rapunzel of the Sea

Step aside, Rapunzel: the true ruler of lengthy strands is about to surface from the depths of the ocean! Behold, the giant kelp: the largest of all algae that can grow up to 50 meters (160 feet) long and reaches impressive growth rates of up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) per day during the growing season, although it typically grows at a more moderate pace of 10-20 centimeters (4-8 inches) per day. Factors such as ocean temperature, light availability, and competition affect this seaweed superhero's growth saga.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Sea Urchins: Kelp's Nemeses

In a twist straight out of a vegetative apocalypse, Northern California's underwater forests have been decimated by an army of voracious purple sea urchins: these spiky menaces have been munching on bull kelp, causing the featured seaweed to decline by a staggering 95%, thus putting the survival of the aquatic flora and fauna that depend on them in serious jeopardy.
Source => yaleclimateconnections.org

Did you know seaweed is a flavor booster and potent source of antioxidants, vitamins, essential minerals, and even supports thyroid function? Dive into the tide of good health with this underwater superfood! 🌊🥗

=> Fun Facts about Seaweed

3. Kelp: Umami and More

Kelp wanted to be a samurai, but it ended up creating umami: Kombu, an edible kelp, has been a vital part of Japanese cuisine for over 1,500 years. It's used as a key ingredient in dashi, a soup stock, and even makes an appearance in sushi and pickled snacks. Kombu brings the gift of glutamic acid, which is responsible for its umami flavor, to the dish, while also being a good source of dietary fiber. However, watch out - too much iodine-packed kombu can leave your thyroid in shogun-like disarray!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Kelp: Skincare Superstar

Step aside, kale, and let kelp have its moment in the skin-care sun: Kelp extracts are packing antioxidant, anti-aging, and photoprotective properties, making these underwater wonders the new stars of your cosmetic treasure chest like creams, masks, and sunscreens.
Source => ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

5. Kelp Elevator Innovation

Who needs an elevator pitch when you've got a kelp elevator? Scientists are trading suits for wetsuits and turning toward the deep blue sea for inspiration: The kelp elevator, developed by Marine BioEnergy Inc. and used by researchers at USC Dornsife's Wrigley Institute, boosts kelp growth rates by shuttling it between depths for optimum sunlight and nutrients, resulting in up to four times more biomass and a potential future for low-carbon biofuel crops.
Source => dornsife.usc.edu

6. Kelp: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

Kelp, America's Next Top Model for coastal ecosystems, struts its stuff on the ocean runway with a portfolio that stores carbon, absorbs pollution, and flaunts a fierce storm-buffering technique: In all seriousness, kelp forests are vital coastal ecosystems supporting myriad marine life, but they're disappearing at an alarming rate due to water pollution, disrupted predator-prey dynamics, and climate change-induced warming waters. Measures to protect and restore these underwater wonders are crucial before they vanish from the ocean's catwalk forever.
Source => maritime-executive.com

7. Kelp: Climate Change Fighter

Can you keep up with the kelp-keepers? Here's some speedy seaweed news that's going to lift up your (kelp) spirit: Kelp is rapidly growing in popularity, not only for its underwater charm, but for its superhero ability to absorb massive amounts of carbon through photosynthesis. Running Tide, a company located in Maine, is even employing kelp buoys made from reclaimed waste wood, limestone, and kelp seedlings to combat climate change by removing CO2 from our oceans and atmosphere. If you thought kelp was just a slimy sea decoration, think again!
Source => theatlantic.com

8. Sea Otters: Kelp's Cute Protectors

Move over, superheroes: sea otters are the real guardians of the ocean's equivalent of Gotham City! With their adorable faces and snuggly fur, they wage a never-ending battle against the sinister red sea urchin mafia: By chowing down on these spiky supervillains, sea otters protect kelp forests' holdfasts from destruction, ensuring a lush underwater haven for countless marvelous marine creatures.
Source => oceanservice.noaa.gov

9. Kelp: Healthy Heart Hero

Kelp's got your back and your blood pressure, kind of like a chlorophyll-clad superhero with mineral sidekicks: Packed with nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium, compounds in kelp like fucoidan and fucoxanthin can potentially help regulate high blood pressure and support overall heart health, but beware of consuming too much through supplements as it may contain high levels of iodine and heavy metals that can harm thyroid function – always consult a doctor before turning to the green side.
Source => verywellfit.com

10. Sea Otters: Kelp-Ecosystem Super-spies

Those crafty sea otters, they're not just in it for the cuteness overload: they're secret agents for kelp forest preservation! By munching on sea urchins like a salad bar enthusiast, these adorable furballs help keep the urchin population under control, enabling kelp forests to flourish and showcase the intricate balance within their ecosystem.
Source => oceana.org

11. Bull Kelp: Yoga Master of the Sea

If bull kelp went to yoga class, it would put even the most flexible yogis to shame with its mind-boggling stretchiness and never-ending elasticity: This is all thanks to its unique cells that are wrapped in strong fibers at a 60˚ angle, giving it the stretchability and break-resistance on par with wood and bone—truly a Zen master of underwater world!
Source => asknature.org

12. Satellites & Scientists: Kelp Forest Detectives

While even the stealthiest of ninja spies couldn't sneak their way into the largest kelp forests at the Falkland Islands (cue the Mission Impossible theme), researchers have successfully managed to use satellite imagery and the help of citizen science to spy on these underwater ecosystems: Thanks to their super-smart detective work, scientists have managed to create a continuous timeseries of giant kelp in the region spanning over three decades, revealing fluctuations in the canopy area and potential environmental vulnerabilities. As it turns out, the size of these slippery forests has a great relationship with nitrate content from the previous year - sort of like how you and your bestie finish each other's... sandwiches.
Source => journals.plos.org