Though spatially distinct, the Santa Barbara Channel’s subtidal kelp forests and its sandy beaches are intimately connected. Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), the foundation species of rocky reefs, ...

The kelp forest is ephemeral, yet foundational. Fronds of this fast-growing giant seaweed come and go with the seasons, storms and waves, supporting communities of fish, invertebrates and even mammals ...

The Santa Barbara Channel’s kelp forests and its sandy beaches are intimately connected. Giant kelp, the foundation species of rocky reefs, serves as a major part of the beach food web as fronds of ...

When it comes to sea health, white foam that disappears almost instantly is a clear sign of a healthy ecosystem. Conversely, ...

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – A UC Santa Barbara researcher published a paper detailing the intricate impact that kelp forests along local beaches have on the surrounding environment even while dead ...

Sandy beach ecosystems occupy the interface between terrestrial and marine realms and are governed by a complex interplay of physical, chemical and biological forces. Wave action, tidal cycles and ...

“Season” in Southwest Florida means a bevy of activities in our coastal communities. Chief among them: beach trips. The beach is one of our most celebrated natural resources, and rightly so. We know ...

A sea lion chomping on a guitarfish and a scene showing a flock of seagulls sitting on an eroded area of sand at Main Beach took top honors in this year’s 13th annual Laguna Bluebelt Photo Contest.

Over the past 30 days, I built a custom Beach Ecosystem Terrarium in my bedroom. Throughout the month, I added various animals including hermit crabs, gobies, snails, and shrimp. The project included ...

Though spatially distinct, the Santa Barbara Channel’s subtidal kelp forests and its sandy beaches are intimately connected. Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), the foundation species of rocky reefs, ...