Kelp is the basis of a healthy marine ecosystem (similar to the rainforests)--loss of beds can lead to complete ecosystem collapse. It is the fastest growing plant in the world (2-3 feet a day), as well as the highest oxygenator (repairs ozone, fixes carbon, prevents greenhouse effects and it keeps the oceans clean and healthy). Over the past decade, there has been a drastic decline in kelp forests. As a result of the over-harvesting of kelp, the ecosystem has been thrown out of balance. This situation is similar to the clear cutting of publicly-owned forests, cattle grazing on publicly-owned prairie land or the over-fishing of our coastal and river areas. Kelp is a renewable resource that can be harvested in a sustainable manner. Market incentives to conserve this resource must be developed before all the kelp is gone. To learn more about the kelp forests of the Pacific go to: The Monterey Bay Aquarium (e-quarium) at http://www.mbayaq.org/hp/hp_kf.htm, or The Vancouver Aquarium at http://www.vancouver-aquarium.org/tour/kelp/kelp.htm.   | Home | Cultural | Environmental | Musical | Ordinary | | Contact Us | About the Authors | © Copyright 2007 fiftythings