#kelpforests

[fatassfish]

Mentally i am in Kelp Forest™️

[noaasanctuaries]

🚨 Invasive species alert 🚨

This large, golden-brown kelp species, Undaria, is native to Japan, Korea, and China. So, how did it end up in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary? Undaria frequently catches a ride around the world on boat hulls or in ballast water. Upon arrival to a new area, if weather conditions are right, it can cling to new boat hulls, clog docks, smother fishing gear, disrupt marine farming, or even alter marine ecosystems. Due to its catastrophic affects, Undaria is considered one of the world's worst invasive species.

[noaasanctuaries]

It’s National Dog Biscuit Day!

While they may look the part please do not try to give a harbor seal any dog treats. Not only will it not perform tricks for you, but the components of a dog treat are likely not part of a healthy seal diet! Learn more about the best ways to respect wildlife here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wildlife-viewing/

Image: Harbor seal mugging for the camera in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary .

Credit: Chad King/NOAA

[noaasanctuaries]

Does someone need a hug?

This colorful kelp crab might be able to help with that! Kelp crabs like this one can be found in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary , often called the “Serengeti of the Sea."

Description: A bright red crab travelling across the bottom of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Image Credit: Chad King/NOAA

[noaasanctuaries]

Meet the Bull Kelp!

Bull kelp, which can be found in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary , is a large brown kelp can attach itself to rocks with a holdfast made of many finger-like projections. The kelp may be anchored to the seafloor, but it towers to the surface thanks to a gas filled float. The common name "bull kelp" came about because of its resemblance to a bull whip but they can also be known as a "mermaid's bladder"!

Photo Credit: (Steve Lonhart/NOAA)

Image description: Close up of a bull kelp air bladder and blades against a black background.

[noaasanctuaries]

OTD the USS 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘯 crashes into the sea.

One of the Navy's two state-of-the-art "flying aircraft carriers” 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘯 was an engineering marvel at the time. It’s remains weren’t located for 55 years when it was discovered in the deep waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Read more about this fascinating story here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/macon/

Description: Submerged view of the USS Macon’s mooring mast receptacle assembly, the most forward part of the airship and possibly the last section of the ship to sink. The tapered cone would mate up with the land-based mooring mast.

Credit: NOAAMBNMS/ MBARI 2006

[noaasanctuaries]

Hats off to you! 🎩👀

This red turban snail from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary looks like it's celebrating #NationalHatDay! This animal gets its name from the top spiraling shell which resembles a hat. This species is often found amongst the giant kelp on which it grazes.

Photo Credit: Steve Lonhart/NOAA

Image Description: A closer look at the red turban snail's mouth and foot.

[noaasanctuaries]

It's International Women's Day!

And we think it's a great day to read up on some of our favorite heroes from around the sanctuary system! We're sharing our favorite Women's History Month features from recent years. Check out last year's profiles that feature ten dynamic women at work all over the sanctuary system.

Read it here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/mar20/celebrating-womens-history-month-2020.html

Image: Carina Fish, one of the current Foster Scholars, is working on ocean acidification in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Image: NOAA