CDFW manages marine algae resources by working with the California Fish and Game Commission(opens in new tab) and others to coordinate and oversee commercial and recreational fishery activities, monitoring, research, and restoration activities. A detailed summary of CDFW kelp management, biological information, and harvest can be found in the Giant Kelp and Bull Kelp Enhanced Status Report(opens in new tab).
Commonly Harvested Kelp and Other Marine Algae
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Species
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Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) is an annual alga found off the Pacific coast of North America and Asia. On the west coast of North America, bull kelp ranges from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Point Conception (Santa Barbara County), California. Along the California coast, bull kelp becomes the dominant canopy-forming kelp north of Davenport (Santa Cruz County), California. Bull kelp attaches to rocky substrate typically from the low intertidal to depths of 17 meters (56 feet) and has a maximum depth of 40 meters (131 feet). More information on bull kelp can be found in the CDFW Giant Kelp and Bull Kelp Enhanced Status Report(opens in new tab).
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Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) can be found worldwide in nearshore temperate oceans. On the west coast of North America, this perennial kelp ranges from southeast Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. Along the California coast, giant kelp is abundant south of San Francisco and generally grows attached to rocky substrate from the low intertidal to 25 meters (82 feet) and has a maximum 30 meters (98 feet) in depth. More information on giant kelp can be found in the CDFW Giant Kelp and Bull Kelp Enhanced Status Report(opens in new tab).
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A variety of intertidal algal species are harvested and eaten. Commonly harvested species include:
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Species
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Bladder Chain Kelp or sea fern (Stephanocystis osmundacea) is a perennial brown alga that is found on rocks in low intertidal to subtidal areas. The range for this alga extends from Seaside, Oregon south to Baja California, Mexico.
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Bladderwrack or rockweed (Fucus distichus) is a perennial brown alga. On the west coast of North America, bladderwrack ranges from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska south to Government Point (Santa Barbara County), California. Bladderwrack can be found attached to rocks and mussel shells in low to high intertidal areas.
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Grapestone or Turkish washcloth (Mastocarpus papillatus) is a perennial red alga that ranges from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada south to Cambria (San Luis Obispo County), California. Grapestone can be found on rocks in the mid- to high intertidal area.
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Kombu (Laminaria setchellii) is a perennial kelp that resides on rocks in low intertidal to subtidal areas. Kombu may be found from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska south to Baja California, Mexico.
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Nori (Pyropia species) is an annual red alga found on the west coast of North America. The range of this alga extends from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. Nori can be found throughout the intertidal and upper subtidal area on rocks, man-made structures and, depending on the Pyropia species, can also be found on other algae.
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Sea Cabbage or sweet kombu (Saccharina sessilis) is a perennial kelp that resides on rocks from mid-intertidal to shallow subtidal areas. The range for sea cabbage is the Aleutian Islands, Alaska south to Point Sur (Monterey County), California.
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Sea Lettuce (Ulva species) is an annual green alga that resides on rocks, mollusks, wood, and other algae throughout intertidal and subtidal areas. On the west coast of North America, sea lettuce may be found from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska south to Baja California, Mexico.
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Sea Palm (Postelsia palmaeformis) is an annual kelp that ranges from Hope Island, British Columbia, Canada to Point Buchon (San Luis Obispo County), California. Sea palm resides on rocky surfaces and mussel shells in mid- to high intertidal areas exposed to heavy wave action. Sea palm may not be harvested recreationally.
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*Wakame or Ribbon Kelp (Alaria marginata) is an annual kelp that may be found from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska south to Diablo Cove (San Luis Obispo County), California. Wakame resides on rocks from the low intertidal to shallow subtidal areas. *Note this species shares the same common name, wakame, as the invasive non-native species Undaria pinnatifida. Undaria pinnatifida cannot be commercially harvested.
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To learn more about CDFW's management of kelp and other marine algae, explore the informational pages of the CDFW Giant Kelp and Bull Kelp Enhanced Status Report(opens in new tab).