Macrocystis
Giant Kelp

Another safety stop, another one of my favorite photos. Frustrated because I hadn't seen too many good subjects on the bottom, I had lots of film left when I headed up.  While hanging out at 15' during my safety stop, I began to look around at the many strands of kelp that were surrounding me, swaying gently in the current.  Usually, I look within the kelp to see what creatures are living on its fronds. This time, I focused on the kelp itself.

Giant Kelp can grow up to 2' a day -- the fastest growing plant in the world.  It's held afloat by gas-filled bulbs at the base of each frond.

Lens: 60mm
Film: Fuji Velvia
Location: San Clemente Island, California

©1998 Garry McCarthy