Species profile
dense-clumped kelp
Laminaria sinclairii
At a glance
dense-clumped kelp (Laminaria sinclairii) is a marine alga regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 1 (Oregon); the most generous is 10 (California).
Confirmed by 425 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, Oregon, and Washington the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Laminaria sinclairii produces multiple stipes from a single holdfast, giving each plant a distinctive bushy, clumped appearance.
- It forms dense aggregations on rocky Pacific shores from British Columbia to California.
- It grows in the low intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, tolerating strong seasonal wave exposure.
- Dense beds trap sediment and provide refuge for snails, amphipods, and small crabs sheltering between stipes.
Where dense-clumped kelp are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for dense-clumped kelp
Background
Laminaria sinclairii is a species of brown algae (class Phaeophyceae), in the family Laminariaceae. It is native to the lower intertidal zone of the northeastern Pacific Ocean from British Columbia southwards to California.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's dense-clumped kelp article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other brown algae/kelps on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.