Ecosystem-based management for kelp forest ecosystems

Abstract

Kelp forests line a quarter of the world’s coastlines and provide diverse ecosystem services. While kelps are a harvested resource themselves, they are also foundation species that form the basis of productive ecosystems. Globally, kelps are threatened by a variety of anthropogenic impacts, including overharvesting, overgrazing, invasive species, poor water quality, and the direct and indirect effects of climate change. To address these threats and preserve the services provided by these foundation species, we show that Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) approaches are well-suited for kelp forest management. To define and illustrate key EBM-inspired approaches for kelp forest management and conservation, we combined key concepts from the EBM literature, the literature on the biology and ecology of kelp forests, and primary information we gathered on case studies of ongoing kelp forest management at regional levels in British Columbia (Canada), California (United States), and northern Chile. Using these three sources of information, we identify six key principles for kelp forest EBM: 1) monitoring at biologically relevant temporal and spatial scales, 2) assessing and addressing cumulative impacts, 3) managing across spatial and institutional scales, 4) co-management with users, 5) employing rapid adaptive management and/or the precautionary principle, and 6) managing food web connections. We explore and illustrate these principles using examples from multiple regions to provide concrete guidance on EBM-inspired strategies that are likely to improve kelp forest management outcomes.