Spatial and temporal variation in kelp forest composition off the NW coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Presentation Abstract
The changes in kelp forest community structure, associated with the reintroduction and spread of sea otters along the west coast of Vancouver Island, was monitored from 1987-2013. Changes in kelp abundance and species composition were documented annually at 5 permanently- marked sites and intermittently at 40 randomly-selected sites located in areas occupied by sea otters. Although the presence of kelp was predictable, the species composition and abundance of algae was both spatially and temporally variable, largely reflecting successional changes following the removal of sea urchins by sea otters. Along with succession, water temperature, episodic algal recruitment and demographic processes all appeared to affect the relative abundance and species composition of kelp forests. In general, annual species such as Acid Weed (Desmarestia spp,) were highly variable in abundance, whereas the long-lived stalked kelps (Pterygophora californica and Laminaria setchellii), underwent a gradual decline and slow recovery over the 26 year period. The canopy forming Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeanna) was generally associated with early successional stages or disturbance events and the Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera = integrifolia) was recruited in less exposed areas.
Session Title
Session S-02E: Kelp Trends
Conference Track
Habitat
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
30-4-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
30-4-2014 3:00 PM
Location
Room 613-614
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Kelp bed ecology--British Columbia--Vancouver Island; Kelp--British Columbia--Vancouver Island; Sea otter--British Columbia--Vancouver Island
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Vancouver Island (B.C.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Spatial and temporal variation in kelp forest composition off the NW coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Room 613-614
The changes in kelp forest community structure, associated with the reintroduction and spread of sea otters along the west coast of Vancouver Island, was monitored from 1987-2013. Changes in kelp abundance and species composition were documented annually at 5 permanently- marked sites and intermittently at 40 randomly-selected sites located in areas occupied by sea otters. Although the presence of kelp was predictable, the species composition and abundance of algae was both spatially and temporally variable, largely reflecting successional changes following the removal of sea urchins by sea otters. Along with succession, water temperature, episodic algal recruitment and demographic processes all appeared to affect the relative abundance and species composition of kelp forests. In general, annual species such as Acid Weed (Desmarestia spp,) were highly variable in abundance, whereas the long-lived stalked kelps (Pterygophora californica and Laminaria setchellii), underwent a gradual decline and slow recovery over the 26 year period. The canopy forming Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeanna) was generally associated with early successional stages or disturbance events and the Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera = integrifolia) was recruited in less exposed areas.
