The water was clear and the sky was cloudless, so illumination was good underwater. The ocean was warm: 71F, too warm for kelp. El Niño is having an effect.

Kelp Perch (Brachyistius frenatus) Kelp perch are like little gold coins, glittering as they dart and hover in schools, just below the kelp canopy. They are skittish, and reflect light well; it's tricky to capture their golden color. This kelp perch was enjoying a small stand of kelp off Sea Lion Beach, on the South (or "back") side of Anacapa Island. It seems like just about every group of fish has a species that begins with "kelp": kelp perch, kelp bass, kelp rockfish, kelp

Eelgrass provides important habitat for young fish and other small creatures, but is susceptible to storms.

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.

The cool pathways beneath the kelp canopy are among the most calm and relaxing places on Earth.