The diver in us may be happy about the warming temperatures, allowing us to have a little longer dive but what we should really be excited about is El Nina and the cool water as it is the cold water that gives us our beautiful dive parks and some of the best diving in the world. Kelp forests are said to be one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on earth, providing more CO2 absorption than any other forest in the world, but to survive Kelp needs a healthy eco system and cool water.

A big threat to Kelp is the invasive Sargassum horneri, a non-native algea brought over from Asia that takes over the kelp forest beds, destroying kelp forests as they take over and the delicate balanced eco system along the way. Kelp may grow very fast, at a rate up to 2ft per day, not only needs cold water to grow (43-57f is best) but also the sargassum cannot survive temperatures below 60f.

So, in our cool winter waters lets take a moment to be thankful of them as they give us a healthy diverse eco system with lush kelp beds. And maybe if those waters are a little chilled for you, a perfect drysuit is awaiting you and you get a free drysuit class with purchase. So do not let the cold waters stop you, dive year round and see the kelp forest at its finest.

**Photo credit Paul Davidson