The role of kelp export in shaping adjacent benthic ecosystems: steps for international collaboration
Informations
- Funding country
Norway- Acronym
- -
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 1/1/2017
- End date
- 12/31/2018
- Budget
- 12,300 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Resources and the Environment (MARINFORSK) - call 2016 | Grant | - | - | 12,300 EUR |
Abstract
Kelp forests are one of the most iconic ecosystems in the world. They form complex habitats where rich and diverse communities can thrive. However, natural and man-related stressors are impacting kelp forests on a global scale. Changes in kelp biomass have been documented in different regions, including Australia, Spain, Portugal, France, Sweden, the United States, Japan and Canada. Some of the suggested drivers for such changes are ocean warming and sea urchin grazing. In Norway, over 80% of the kelp production is exported to adjacent ecosystems, but the role played by this kelp detritus in fueling adjacent faunal communities is poorly understood. Thus, researchers from several countries where kelp is a major ecosystem have recognized the need to better understand the drivers of kelp forest change, as well as the impact of this change on adjacent ecosystems. KELCO brought together 23 world-leading scientists from Norway (14) and 6 other countries (3 from UK, 1 from Ireland, 1 from Denmark, 1 from USA, 2 from Canada and 1 from Australia) with different expertise in the study of kelp and marine ecology. Over 2 days, the workshop facilitated discussions on kelp export and impact, allowing for comparisons of ecosystems with different drivers at a large geographic scale. A first morning of presentations provided an overview of the current state-of-the art on knowledge of kelp detritus production and fate at different geographic locations. This was followed by two half days of discussions on four major topics: 1) how is kelp detritus produced? 2) methods for quantification of kelp detritus transport; 3) how is the kelp detritus used by animals on the seafloor? And 4) how can regime shifts that transform kelp forests in barren grounds impact detritus supply to adjacent ecosystems and will this have consequences on the ecosystem services provided? The workshop resulted in new collaborative initiatives, including planning for joint field study, a joint scientific paper and a planning for a student exchange.