Bull kelp or rimurapa (Durvillaea species) is the most striking seaweed of the exposed coasts. Its tough, flexible fronds are secured to intertidal rocks by a solid disc-shaped holdfast capable of withstanding tremendous forces when storm waves crash onto reefs and cliffs. The seaweed grows to 10 metres in length and can live for 10 years. Bull kelp forests are highly productive systems, contributing vast quantities of organic matter and nutrients to coastal food chains.

---

Size: 1959px × 1276px
Photo credit: © NZ Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: bull, growth, image, kelp, marine, photo, photograpgh, sea, weed