Hobbies And Interests
Kelp
Kelp grows along cold rocky coastlines. It is basically a surface plant, living primarily in shallow water. Kelp attaches itself to the ocean floor using an anchoring system called a "holdfast." It is a very fast-growing plant; in fact, some kelp can grow up to 2 feet per day. Kelp can grow to be over 150 feet tall as it tries to reach the water's surface where the sunlight is the greatest. It uses the sunlight through photosynthesis to create its own food and can sometimes can be found in thick patches called kelp forests, in which many species of fish live.
Seagrass
Seagrass, which lives off the coast of most continents in the world, grows on the ocean floor with stems that stand erect and roots that are buried in the sediment. Seagrass is different in that it's the only plant that can flower and be pollinated while completely immersed in water. Some types of seagrass resembles the lilies found on land and provides food for green turtles and a habitat for many small ocean animals.
Seaweed
Seaweed, the name for many types of ocean plants and algae, comes in three colors: red, green and brown. Seaweed is a member of the algae family and lives in the ocean or in brackish water. It can grow so quickly that it sometimes chokes out the existing sea life surrounding it. You often see seaweed washed up on beaches and shorelines. Not only is it food for many marine animals, but humans also can benefit from seaweed as it contains nutrients, minerals and fiber.
Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are microscopic ocean plants that require sunlight to produce food through photosynthesis. Most phytoplankton float on top of the water or very near the surface where they can get ample amounts of sunlight. Most of the time, phytoplankton provide food for many marine animals; however, they can grow out of control and form toxic algae blooms that have harmful effects on marine life.