Rescuing the Kelp Forest: A Keystones Mission

🌿Kelp forests are crucial ecosystems that provide habitats for a variety of marine life.

🦦Sea otters are keystone species in kelp forests, as they control the population of red urchins that can destroy the kelp.

🌊Red urchins can destroy kelp roots, causing the kelp to float away and disrupt the ecosystem.

🚀The Octonauts team rescues Shellington and Pearl, who are drifting in the ocean due to loose kelp strands.

🦐The Octonauts relocate the red urchins to a rocky reef with plenty of food, saving the kelp forest.

What is a keystone species?

—A keystone species is a plant or animal that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem.

How do sea otters help kelp forests?

—Sea otters eat red urchins, which can destroy kelp roots. By controlling the urchin population, sea otters help preserve kelp forests.

Why is the kelp forest important?

—Kelp forests are important ecosystems that provide food and shelter for many marine species. They also help absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to a healthy planet.

What is the main threat to kelp forests?

—Red urchins are a significant threat to kelp forests as they can destroy the kelp roots, leading to the disruption of the entire ecosystem.

How do the Octonauts save the kelp forest?

—The Octonauts rescue trapped sea creatures, relocate red urchins to a different area with sufficient food, and secure loose kelp strands to prevent further damage.

00:00The Octonauts join forces with sea otters to protect the kelp forest.

09:21Shellington introduces his sister Pearl, a sea otter scientist who knows a lot about kelp forests.

13:31The Octonauts clear urchins from the kelp forest to prevent destruction.

18:12The team realizes that loose kelp strands are causing Shellington and Pearl to drift away.

19:20The Octonauts rescue Shellington and Pearl and relocate the remaining urchins to a more suitable area.