Talk on Birds and Kelp

Kelp bed at Crook Point.\Photo by Roy Lowe.

It is widely known that kelp plays an important role in the nearshore ocean environment, particularly where fish and urchins are concerned.  Kelp beds are biologically rich marine habitats supporting a diversity of invertebrates and fish. Sea otters historically had an important relationship with kelp as well.  Less well known is the use of these habitats by some species of birds.  Benefits to birds continue even after kelp becomes dislodged and washes ashore. 

The Elakha Alliance, which is working toward restoration of sea otters to the Oregon coast, presents a webinar on the relationship between birds and kelp.  Photographer Roy Lowe will discuss some of the species you might see using kelp beds in Oregon.  The event, free and open to the public, takes place on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m.

A resident of Waldport, Oregon, Roy Lowe worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 37 years, and was long the Project Leader for the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex until his retirement in 2015.  He is now an active photographer.  He is also a former Elakha Alliance board member.

To register for this event, go here.