The Dragon Kelp (ALF) Bioband

Zone

Bioband Name

Database Label

Colour

Indicator Species*

Physical Description

Exposure
[Description]

Associate Species*

C

Dragon Kelp

ALF

Golden-brown

Alaria fistulosa

Canopy-forming alga with very long blade and hollow floating midrib, found in nearshore habitats. If associated with NER, it occurs inshore of the bull kelp.

SP-SE

Alaria sp.

Nereocystis luetkeana

The ALF band forms an extensive canopy in the subtidal, with NER farther offshore, at Point Gustavus in Icy Strait.

Long, narrow strands of dark brown dragon kelp can be seen in the subtidal of this boulder-cobble beach in Gilbert Bay, Port Snettisham. The kelp can be identified by its rope-like appearance imparted by hollow, floating midribs and long blades.

SE05_ML_5987.jpg**

SE05_ML_9672.jpg**

Bioarea SEIC

Bioarea SEFJ
* Indicator Species: The dominant species in a bioband and usually what the bioband is named for (eg. Barnacles = Barnacle bioband or BAR).
  Associated Species: Species commonly found within a given bioband. These are based on known life histories of these species and ground observations. For more detailed information on associated species and regional differences see the Shore Station database (http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/habitat/shorestation/default.htm).

**Note: Dragon Kelp occurs in a few places in southwest Prince William Sound, but it is not common. These photo examples are from Southeast Alaska.