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Story: Seaweed

Bladder-kelp forest

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Bladder-kelp forest

Bladder kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is a giant seaweed found in cool waters. It forms extensive forests around southern New Zealand. With a height of up to 50 metres or more, it provides a rich habitat for small creatures such as lace corals, sea snails and butterfish.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10050177

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How to cite this page

Maggy Wassilieff, Seaweed – Kelp, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/4595/bladder-kelp-forest (accessed 14 June 2026).

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 2 March 2009.