The kelp forest at Landing Cove at Anacapa. This cove became a marine reserve in 1978, with no fishing or hunting allowed, so it has a lot of big lobsters and lush marine life.

This giant kelpfish was particularly friendly and patient as I photographed it off San Clemente Island.

A Norris' Topsnail climbs a gas bladder on giant kelp It might look like this Norris' topsnail is a bubble dancer. But, he or she is doing the unending task of these snails, climbing a giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), and feeding off the tiny animals that live on its surface. This shot was made looking straight down. These snails usually clamp their shells onto the kelp surface when approached. Perhaps this one was consumed with getting around this particular large kelp bla