Arctic Journal The next economic opportunity? Luxuriant Arctic forests In cold marine waters, rocky reefs are often dominated by habitat-forming seaweeds such as kelp. These seaweeds form impressive underwater forests that are not only a phenomenal source of primary productivity and food, but also create three- dimensional structure that provides valuable habitat for many animals and other seaweeds, including harvested species. The recipe for kelp forests in many regions of the world is deceptively simple: a rocky seafloor, enough light to support growth, cool nutrient-rich waters, and low grazing pressure to ensure survival. Add protection from ice scour to this mix and you have the formula for predicting the potential distribution of kelp in Arctic regions.