Crab Attack and Dying Seaweed

 

 

April 22nd and the Kelp growing in the lower intertidal at Constellation Marine Reserve is already dying.  Brown seaweeds do not tolerate the hot sun and bright sunlight.  So if you are a Kelp you want to attach to something that will keep you in deeper water and not allow you to be exposed to the harsh elements......that is if you want to stay alive.

Some images attached of dying seaweeds and also an image and short video of a Red Rock Crab attacking and eating a Northern Kelp Crab......what with the harsh elements and hungry predators it's a wonder anything survives.   :)

 

Dying Witches' Hair seaweed



Dying Kelp

Dying Kelp

Dying Kelp

Red Rock Crab eating Northern Kelp Crab
 

Red Rock Crab eating Northern Kelp Crab