Kelp Forests Flashcards
What is kelp
Any large brown canopy forming species, they are foundation species as they create habitats for other species.
True kelp is the Laminariales
What is the distribution of kelp forests
They Dominate shallow water and rocky reefs
Largely confined to mid latitudes with the poleward limits set by ice and light
Equate reward limits set by nutrient poor waters and warmth as kelp is in competition with other fucoids
Kelp structure
Made up of a stipe, blade and holdfast
The holdfats supports high diversity of fauna
The stipe is a simple rigid structure holding the blade in the water can also support plant and animal communities
Blade has a large surface area for photosynthesis
What is the importance of kelp forests
Hugely productive and fuel inshore food webs
Economic importance as it provides product for fisheries
Supports high biodiversity
Biogenic coastal defences
Carbon sink
Growth patterns of kelp
Many species have the ability to store carbon or nitrogen and therefore show a strong growing seasonality
El Niño can distrust upwelling making the kelp nutrient starved affecting their growing
Laminaria hyperbobrea growth strategy
Follows distinct growing patterns starts growing late winter early spring using sugars stored the previous summer
Creates a collar between the old and new growth
Old growth sheds aprils/may
Growths slows May
Stops growing in summer
How is kelp consumed
Little kelp production is directly grazed. Most enters detrial pathways consumed by a suite of grazers and detritivores.
How does kelp deforestation occur
Occurs as a result of disease or physiological stress
Sea urchins key mechanisms of deforestation can switch from kelp forests to urchin barrens
Has affect on biodiversity and economically on fisheries
How to restore kelp forests
Get rid of urchins by introducing otters
