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Dislodgement of kelps from reef ecosystems

This project explored the dislodgement of kelps from reefs. Despite the extensive body of work on kelp detritus as a trophic subsidy, many questions remain about the production of this detritus. This research determined the rate and mechanisms of kelp detritus production, for Ecklonia radiata, the dominant kelp species in temperate Australia. The study has four major components:

  • Impact of kelp morphology on the drag forces acting on kelp thalli
  • Implications of wounding for kelp detritus production
  • Relative contributions of erosion of frond material and dislodgement of whole thalli to detritus production
  • Relationship between kelp dislodgement and peak water velocities

Experimental, field sampling and modelling studies have been synthesised into an model of kelp dislodgement, in which kelp beds are in dynamic equilibrium with wave disturbance. Seasonal differences in individual kelp biomass lower the drag on kelp during the period of peak water velocity. Thus, erosion rather than whole kelp dislodgement tends to have a more pronounced seasonal pattern, associated with tissue weakening following spore production.

Researchers

Dr Thibaut de Bettignies
Professor Paul Lavery
The University of Western Australia, Dr Thomas Wernberg
CSIRO, Dr Mat Vanderklift

Publications

  • de Bettignies T, Wernberg T, Lavery PS, Vanderklift MA, Gunson JR, Symonds G, Collier N (2014) Phenological decoupling of mortality from wave forcing in kelp beds. Ecology (In Press)
  • de Bettignies T, Wernberg T, Lavery PS, Vanderklift MA, Mohring MB (2013) Contrasting mechanisms of dislodgement and erosion contribute to production of kelp detritus. Limnology & Oceanography 58: 1680-1688
  • de Bettignies T, Wernberg T, Lavery PS (2013) Size, not morphology, determines hydrodynamic performance of a kelp during peak flow. Marine Biology 160: 843-851
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