INVERTIBRATES
Sea urchins are usually the dominant herbivores of kelp beds. When not enough predators are present, they can spiral out of control, devouring all plant life and forming “urchin barrens.” Other common invertibrate species include shrimp and brittle stars.
BIRDS
Birds such as gulls, herons, and cormorants use costal kelp forests to hunt and forrage.
MAMMALS
Sea otters are essential for controling sea urchin populations in kelp forests. Seals and dolphins may also visit kelp forests to hunt.
FISH
Many species of fish make the kelp forest their home.