Macrocystis and Nereocystis are the major canopy forming seaweeds in our area, and like Nereocystis, Macrocystis is one of the fastest growing photosynthetic organisms on the planet. Hundreds of invertebrate, fish, and seaweed species depend on these two canopy formers for shelter, food and protection, the same role canopy trees play in a tropical rain forest. Macrocystis grows in the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal in moderate to exposed locations. This species is a perennial although in very high energy waters, it may live only one or two years.