Lisa Skelton, Life within the kelp (ANIMALS 2026)

The Falkland Islands are home to some of the world's largest and most intact kelp forests. These dense kelp beds protect and stabilise coastlines and provide crucial habitat, food and shelter for an array of marine animals. Young elephant seal pups or 'weaners' will gather around natural rock pools, using their protected waters to practise swimming and diving until they are ready to venture out to sea. Amongst the kelp, South American fur seals find shelter from predators. Likewise, a southern giant petrel stays close to the giant kelp beds as it rests on the water’s surface.

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