Sage Ono's Image

Sage Ono (USA) explores the abundant life around the giant kelp forests in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

It may be an undersea forest, but Sage likes to think of these areas of giant kelp as a cathedral. His photograph captures the sense of immersion in the waters of this diverse sanctuary.

The largest of all seaweeds, giant kelp can grow at least 45 metres (148 feet) high. This enables it to anchor in relatively deep water and still reach the sunny surface layers. At the base of each frond are the gas-filled structures called pneumatocysts, which give it buoyancy. In ideal conditions it can grow nearly half a metre a day.

Like forests on land, a kelp forest is structurally complex. It provides a variety of habitats for many species.

Here, blue rockfish navigate the upper layers of the kelp forest. Shafts of light breaking through the canopy are causing their colours to shimmer.