But complicating the picture further, in the midst of the divers' grumbling, an unexpected ecological benefit of the otter's return started

But complicating the picture further, in the midst of the divers' grumbling, an unexpected ecological benefit of the otter's return started to emerge: their impact on kelp. tiger711v2

Kelp is a type of seaweed with a preference for rocky coastlines bathed by cool waters. The macroalgae is prolific. With sufficient light, a suitable pH, and enough nutrients in the water, it can grow explosively. Kelp is also crucial to the health of the nearshore environment. "When you take kelp away, it reduces biodiversity," Bell tells me. "The productivity just plummets."