Is habitat size an important factor for faunal abundances on kelp ( Laminaria hyperborea)?

Abstract

The importance of habitat size for abundances of meio- and macrofauna inhabiting epiphytic algae on kelp Laminaria hyperborea was tested. One, two or three artificial substrates consisting of rope and fish net were added to natural kelp plants in in situ manipulation experiments. After two months, the abundances of dominant macrofauna groups correlated with habitat size. The same relationship between faunal abundance and habitat size was found at two sites and in two consecutive years. No clear correlations were found between abundances of the dominant meiofaunal groups and habitat size. Thus, there appear to be differences in the use of habitats by macro- and meiofauna: while habitat size seems to be important for abundances of macrofauna, other factors seem to control abundances of meiofauna.