Standing stock and production of Ecklonia radiata (C.Ag.) : J. Agardh

Abstract

The monthly productivity, standing stock, plant size and density of Ecklonia radiata (C.Ag.) J. Agardh is presented for a 2-yr period. Annual production was 20.7 kg wet wt · m −2 with maximum growth of 0.9% per day in spring (October–December) and minimum growth of 0.2% per day in late summer. (March–April). A close negative correlation was found between spring and summer growth and water temperature. Maximum biomass (18 kg wet wt · m −2) did not coincide with maximum growth but occurred in late summer. Minimum biomass (6 kg wet wt · m −2) occurred in winter. An estimate of erosion of plant material from the kelp bed was made from these data and a hypothesis concerning the ultimate destination of eroded and removed kelp plants was formulated.