Species profile
dense-clumped kelp
Laminaria sinclairii
Identify dense-clumped kelp (Laminaria sinclairii) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 2 jurisdictions.
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
Frequently asked questions
What is dense-clumped kelp?
dense-clumped kelp (Laminaria sinclairii) is a marine alga regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for dense-clumped kelp?
dense-clumped kelp is Laminaria sinclairii.
Is dense-clumped kelp regulated for fishing?
Yes — dense-clumped kelp has fishing regulations in 2 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify dense-clumped kelp?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes dense-clumped kelp along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.