Kelp forests are most developed off the California coast and occur in shallow, cold, and nutrient-rich waters. They are home to dense and highly productive kelp plants that can grow up to two feet per day, as well as a diverse array of marine life, including whales, sea otters, and millions of other plants and animals that rely on kelp forests for food and habitat. Giant kelp is one of the fastest growing plants and can reproduce through trillions of spores each year, though individual plants only live up to six years.