Assessing understory kelp dynamics with a nine year scuba survey time series
Presentation Abstract
Understory kelp species are an important component of Salish Sea nearshore ecosystems, yet much less is known about their dynamics and current status than for canopy forming species. In other regions, kelp dynamics are often tracked with SCUBA-based monitoring programs which allow collection of high-resolution species abundance and distribution data, and related information on co-occurring species and environmental conditions. These programs provide excellent methodological starting points but require tailoring to local conditions and research questions. Since 2011, we have used a modified version of the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) protocol to sample kelp and other benthic organisms at 17 sites in the central Strait of Juan de Fuca annually, with the goal of evaluating response during and after removal of two dams from the Elwha River. Here we explore what these data tell us about kelp response to three major stressors that occurred over this time period: dam removal, extreme climate conditions, and sea star wasting syndrome. We also use these data to explore the utility of this technique for conducting understory kelp monitoring. Questions include: What levels of change are detectable? How can effects of physical covariates, including stressors, be assessed? How can biological interactions of competition, grazing, and trophic cascades be assessed? If we were starting over, how would we change our methods and design? Our intent is to provide recommendations to help guide future monitoring efforts.
Session Title
Session 2.1A: Kelp: Stressors, Trends, and Value (Part I)
Conference Track
Kelp & Seagrass
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2020 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
2020_abstractID_4539
Start Date
22-4-2020 10:30 AM
End Date
22-4-2020 12:00 PM
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Kelp bed ecology--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Benthic animals--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Environmental monitoring--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Assessing understory kelp dynamics with a nine year scuba survey time series
Understory kelp species are an important component of Salish Sea nearshore ecosystems, yet much less is known about their dynamics and current status than for canopy forming species. In other regions, kelp dynamics are often tracked with SCUBA-based monitoring programs which allow collection of high-resolution species abundance and distribution data, and related information on co-occurring species and environmental conditions. These programs provide excellent methodological starting points but require tailoring to local conditions and research questions. Since 2011, we have used a modified version of the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) protocol to sample kelp and other benthic organisms at 17 sites in the central Strait of Juan de Fuca annually, with the goal of evaluating response during and after removal of two dams from the Elwha River. Here we explore what these data tell us about kelp response to three major stressors that occurred over this time period: dam removal, extreme climate conditions, and sea star wasting syndrome. We also use these data to explore the utility of this technique for conducting understory kelp monitoring. Questions include: What levels of change are detectable? How can effects of physical covariates, including stressors, be assessed? How can biological interactions of competition, grazing, and trophic cascades be assessed? If we were starting over, how would we change our methods and design? Our intent is to provide recommendations to help guide future monitoring efforts.
