Streaming Media
Presentation Abstract
Kelp (order Laminariales) is highly abundant and diverse in the Salish Sea, and serves a variety of functions, from ecosystem engineering, to providing food for herbivores and detritivores, to mariculture. To date, little research has been conducted in the Salish Sea on the effects of climate change (specifically ocean acidification and warming) on local kelp species. Decline in bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) in some areas of Puget Sound (Washington, USA) has generated concern amongst local stakeholders about the long-term health of Salish Sea kelp forests. Additionally, for local mariculture ventures it is important to understand how specific species of kelp will perform in future oceans. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effect of climate change on kelps, by compiling a global dataset of peer-reviewed experimental studies on kelp and warming or acidification. For the analysis, we focus on species found in the Salish Sea, and compare their response to global trends. We determine which life stages and endpoint metrics (e.g., survival, growth, reproduction) are most vulnerable to climate change stressors and highlight knowledge gaps where more research needs to be done. In general, the direction and magnitude of kelp response to stress was life stage specific. Adult sporophytes were negatively impacted by warming but positively impacted by acidification, while gametophytes were not affected by warming but were negatively affected by acidification. For all life stages, endpoint metrics such as survival, growth, and reproduction/development were the most heavily impacted by single and multiple stressors. The four studies conducted in the Salish Sea on adult sporophytes show a positive effect of acidification and no significant effect of warming. More kelp studies need to be conducted in the Salish Sea region, specifically on gametophytes and incorporating multiple stressors.
Session Title
Kelp Restoration & Climate Change
Conference Track
SSE9: Nearshore
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2022 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE-traditionals-280
Start Date
26-4-2022 9:45 AM
End Date
26-4-2022 11:15 AM
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
Effects of Ocean Acidification and Warming on Salish Sea Kelps: a Meta-analysis
Kelp (order Laminariales) is highly abundant and diverse in the Salish Sea, and serves a variety of functions, from ecosystem engineering, to providing food for herbivores and detritivores, to mariculture. To date, little research has been conducted in the Salish Sea on the effects of climate change (specifically ocean acidification and warming) on local kelp species. Decline in bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) in some areas of Puget Sound (Washington, USA) has generated concern amongst local stakeholders about the long-term health of Salish Sea kelp forests. Additionally, for local mariculture ventures it is important to understand how specific species of kelp will perform in future oceans. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effect of climate change on kelps, by compiling a global dataset of peer-reviewed experimental studies on kelp and warming or acidification. For the analysis, we focus on species found in the Salish Sea, and compare their response to global trends. We determine which life stages and endpoint metrics (e.g., survival, growth, reproduction) are most vulnerable to climate change stressors and highlight knowledge gaps where more research needs to be done. In general, the direction and magnitude of kelp response to stress was life stage specific. Adult sporophytes were negatively impacted by warming but positively impacted by acidification, while gametophytes were not affected by warming but were negatively affected by acidification. For all life stages, endpoint metrics such as survival, growth, and reproduction/development were the most heavily impacted by single and multiple stressors. The four studies conducted in the Salish Sea on adult sporophytes show a positive effect of acidification and no significant effect of warming. More kelp studies need to be conducted in the Salish Sea region, specifically on gametophytes and incorporating multiple stressors.
