There are three species of kelp pictured above. Alaria esculenta or winged kelp as it is commonly known has a distinct midrib and a blade that often appears torn or ruffled. Agarum clathratum also known as sea colander or shotgun kelp has a blade that is full of holes and its midrib is also very distinct.The holes of sea colander are intentional on the part of the kelp. Laminaria spp. is the third species and has a long, thick blade. It is the most common kelp found in the subtidal area and is often found drifting, torn loose from its holdfast. See if you can identify these species in the image above, click for a larger, labeled view to confirm your guesses. Next we'll take a closer look at these species...