Elk Kelp

Elk kelp

Brett Seymour / NPS

Common Name
Elk Kelp

Scientific Name
Pelagophycus porra

Habitat
Cool, deep waters on the outer edges of giant kelp forests

Additional Information
Elk kelp, with its distinctive antler-like branches, is the second-largest kelp species in Channel Islands National Park. It grows in cool, deep waters, often too deep for giant kelp forest to grow. This species has a limited range that extends from Santa Cruz Island to mid-Baja California, Mexico, so the Channel Islands represent the northern-most range for this species.