"The number of living creatures of all Orders, whose existence intimately depends on the kelp, is wonderful. A great volume might be written, describing the inhabitants of one of these beds of seaweed." Charles Darwin, Voyage of the Beagle
Kelp are keystone species. That is, kelp support an entire community. Without kelp, the community collapses. Kelp form the base of food webs so that organisms eat kelp and are, in turn, eaten by other organisms, which are eaten by other organisms. Kelp also form habitat for many filter feeders.
Fish that consume the smaller organisms then become food for larger fish, otters, and cormorants.
Fish that consume the smaller organisms then become food for larger fish, otters, and cormorants.
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