Bull Kelp

Overview

Species Common Name Bull Kelp
Species Scientific Name Nereocystis luetkeana

Ecoregions

Nearshore

The Nearshore ecoregion includes a variety of habitats ranging from submerged high-relief rocky reefs to broad expanses of intertidal mudflats in estuaries and hosts a vast array of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, birds, plants, and micro-organisms. This ecoregion encompasses the area from the outer boundary of Oregon’s Territorial Sea to the supra-tidal zone, and up into the estuaries.

Special needs

Bull kelp occurs only in nearshore subtidal habitat. This species is strongly associated with rocky substrates.

Limiting factors

Substratum availability and spore dispersal are among factors limiting the distribution of bull kelp. This species is vulnerable to oil spills and other anthropogenic impacts.

Data gaps

Evaluate the ecological role of bull kelp beds as ecological engineering species and as habitat for fish and invertebrate communities.

Conservation actions

Observe harvest restrictions. Monitor the status of bull kelp beds at special sites/index sites.

Key reference or plan

Pacific Coast Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat Pacific Coast Salmon Essential Fish Habitat

Life History Traits