Bull Kelp Durvillaea Antarctica Research Articles

Long-term persistence of the floating bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica from the South-East Pacific: Potential contribution to local and transoceanic connectivity

Current knowledge about the performance of floating seaweeds as dispersal vectors comes mostly from mid latitudes (30°–40°), but phylogeographic studies suggest that long-distance dispersal (LDD) is more common at high latitudes (50°–60°). To test this hypothesis, long-term field experiments with floating southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica were conducted along a latitudinal gradient (30°S, 37°S and 54°S) in austral winter and summer. Floating time exceeded 200d in winter at the high latitudes but in summer it dropped to 90d, being still higher than at low latitudes (<45d). Biomass variations were due to loss of buoyant fronds. Reproductive activity diminished during long floating times. Physiological changes included mainly a reduction in photosynthetic (Fv/Fm and pigments) rather than in defence variables (phlorotannins and antioxidant activity). The observed long floating persistence and long-term acclimation responses at 54°S support the hypothesis of LDD by kelp rafts at high latitudes.

Spatio-temporal variability of strandings of the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) on beaches along the coast of Chile—linked to local storms

Availability of floating seaweeds may depend on the seasonal cycles of benthic populations, but our ability to predict temporal patterns of stranded biomasses is still limited. Season-dependent, local storms favor detachment of seaweeds from the substratum, which can be reflected in the stranded biomasses on adjacent beaches after these events. Hence, we hypothesized that seaweed strandings are positively correlated with storm intensity. Using as a model the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot, a species frequently found in seaweed strandings in Chile, bimonthly surveys were carried out on three beaches: Pichicuy (32° S), Itata Norte (36° S), and Curinanco (39° S) for 3 years (2014 to 2017). Stranded biomass, total length, and wet weight of specimens were quantified and related to local storms (using the Douglas sea scale). Stranded biomasses decreased in the spring months of each year, being higher in Pichicuy and Curinanco than Itata Norte. Regression models showed a better fit with recent storms in Curinanco compared to other beaches. An interannual decrease of beach-cast raft size was observed, showing smaller specimens in Itata Norte than those in Pichicuy and Curinanco. Reduced habitat availability and the exploitation of natural beds in the central zone (34°–37° S) might explain the decrease of biomasses and sizes of stranded bull kelps. Also, oceanographic features at intermediate (i.e., local winds and currents) and large scales (i.e., El Nino) can help to explain the temporal variability, particularly in spring and summer. Our results suggest that harvesting of stranded bull kelps might be most favorable in summer and autumn.

Rafting dispersal in a brooding southern sea star (Asteroidea : Anasterias)

Marine biogeographers have long speculated that macroalgal rafting presents a dispersal mechanism for brooding marine invertebrates of the Southern Ocean, but few direct observations of rafting by echinoderm taxa have been documented. Here we report rafting of the brooding benthic sea star Anasterias suteri, along with two mollusc taxa (Onithochiton neglectus – also a brooder – and Cantharidus roseus), on detached bull-kelp Durvillaea antarctica in Foveaux Strait, southern New Zealand. The rafting journey, intercepted at sea, likely lasted for 2–3 weeks and may have covered several hundred kilometres. We use DNA sequences, together with meteorological and prevailing oceanographic data, to infer the likely Fiordland (mainland) origins of the raft and its epifauna. This rafting dispersal mechanism provides an explanation for the broad (circum-subantarctic) but disjunct distribution of brooding Anasterias populations, and for the genetic connectivity observed between their populations.

Phylogeography of two intertidal seaweeds, Gelidium lingulatum and G. rex (Rhodophyta: Gelidiales), along the South East Pacific: patterns explained by rafting dispersal?

Rafting on floating seaweeds facilitates dispersal of associated organisms, but there is little information on how rafting affects the genetic structure of epiphytic seaweeds. Previous studies indicate a high presence of seaweeds from the genus Gelidium attached to floating bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot. Herein, we analyzed the phylogeographic patterns of Gelidium lingulatum (Kutzing 1868) and G. rex (Santelices and Abbott 1985), species that are partially co-distributed along the Chilean coast (28°S–42°S). A total of 319 individuals from G. lingulatum and 179 from G. rex (20 and 11 benthic localities, respectively) were characterized using a mitochondrial marker (COI) and, for a subset, using a chloroplastic marker (rbcL). Gelidium lingulatum had higher genetic diversity, but its genetic structure did not follow a clear geographic pattern, while G. rex had less genetic diversity with a shallow genetic structure and a phylogeographic break coinciding with the phylogeographic discontinuity described for this region (29°S–33°S). In G. lingulatum, no isolation-by-distance was observed, in contrast to G. rex. The phylogeographic pattern of G. lingulatum could be explained mainly by rafting dispersal as an epiphyte of D. antarctica, although other mechanisms cannot be completely ruled out (e.g., human-mediated dispersal). The contrasting pattern observed in G. rex could be attributed to other factors such as intertidal distribution (i.e., G. rex occurs in the lower zone compared to G. lingulatum) or differential efficiency of recruitment after long-distance dispersal. This study indicates that rafting dispersal, in conjunction with the intertidal distribution, can modulate the phylogeographic patterns of seaweeds.

Daily and seasonal changes of photobiological responses in floating bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot (Fucales: Phaeophyceae)

:Floating seaweeds are important dispersal vehicles, especially for organisms with limited movement capacities and for the seaweeds themselves. The persistence of floating seaweeds is determined by the balance between their acclimation potential and the environmental pressures at the sea surface. Solar radiation is the most important inducer of physiological stress, varying in intensity throughout the day and the year. Therefore photoinhibition and subsequent recovery can change depending on the daily radiation dose and season. The bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica is one of the most common floating seaweeds in the southern oceans, including New Zealand, Chile, and most subantarctic islands. Herein, daily cycles of maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), photoinhibition and recovery levels were examined in microcosm experiments with floating D. antarctica throughout the year, focusing on the blade side exposed to solar radiation (sunny vs shadow side). Also, the effect of simulated wave action (blade turnover) and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on photoinhibition and recovery of Fv/Fm was evaluated. Significant differences in maximum quantum yield were observed between blade sides, with lowest values on the sun-exposed side, especially during noontime and spring/summer months. Phlorotannins and pigments were measured during seasons with the most intense solar radiation (late spring, early summer), when Fv/Fm values were lowest. Phlorotannin, but not pigment concentrations, differed between sunny (lower concentration) and shadow blade sides (higher concentration) and throughout the daily cycle. Both blade sides had similar photoinhibition and recovery levels when blades were constantly turned over. Absence of UVR favoured the recovery capacity of Fv/Fm in both blade sides, suggesting that the photorecovery potential of floating kelps depends on the environmental conditions that kelp rafts face at the sea surface (e.g. cloudy vs sunny days, intense seawater movement and splashing vs calm sea conditions). The results confirm that photobiological stress is more severe during summer and on continuously sun-exposed blade sides, thereby damaging the blades and suppressing the floating time of D. antarctica.

Ecological tipping points for an invasive kelp in rocky reef algal communities

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 587:93-104 (2018) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12429 Ecological tipping points for an invasive kelp in rocky reef algal communities David R. Schiel1,*, Stacie A. Lilley1, Paul M. South2 1Marine Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand 2Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand *Corresponding author: david.schiel@canterbury.ac.nz ABSTRACT: Invasive species are affecting coastal ecosystems worldwide and there are many potential mechanisms that allow their spread into native communities. To investigate this phenomenon, we used an experiment in which the canopy of the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica was removed in 2 seasons and community development was followed over 3 yr. The invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida recruited almost exclusively into plots from which the natural canopy had been removed. We examined, through a series of regression tree models and change point analyses, the gradients of community responses that allowed the successful recruitment of this invasive species. Analyses revealed a range of coinciding conditions, especially a decline in fucoid cover below 20% and an increase in turf cover above 80%, that facilitated Undaria recruitment. The abundance of molluscan grazers and cover of subcanopy algae had lesser effects on Undaria recruitment. In an ecological sense, there was a clear tipping point in the interaction between canopy loss and the subsequent expansion of coralline turf that allowed communities to switch from dominance by native species to seasonal dominance of Undaria. This study illustrates the complex nature of disturbance thresholds and interactions within the native communities that can facilitate the spread and recruitment success of Undaria. KEY WORDS: Tipping point · Threshold · Rocky reef · Native algae · Invasive algae · Regression tree Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Schiel DR, Lilley SA, South PM (2018) Ecological tipping points for an invasive kelp in rocky reef algal communities. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 587:93-104. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12429 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 587. Online publication date: January 25, 2018 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2018 Inter-Research.

The variable routes of rafting: stranding dynamics of floating bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) on beaches in the SE Pacific.

Dispersal on floating seaweeds depends on availability, viability, and trajectories of the rafts. In the southern hemisphere, the bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica is one of the most common floating seaweeds, but phylogeographic studies had shown low connectivity between populations from continental Chile, which could be due to limitations in local supply and dispersal of floating kelps. To test this hypothesis, the spatiotemporal dynamics of kelp strandings were examined in four biogeographic districts along the Chilean coast (28°-42°S). We determined the biomass and demography of stranded individuals on 33 beaches for three subsequent years (2013, 2014, 2015) to examine whether rafting is restricted to certain districts and seasons (winter or summer). Stranded kelps were found on all beaches. Most kelps had only one stipe (one individual), although we also frequently found coalesced holdfasts with mature males and females, which would facilitate successful rafting dispersal, gamete release, and reproduction upon arrival. High biomasses of stranded kelps occurred in the northern-central (30°S-33°S) and southernmost districts (37°S-42°S), and lower biomasses in the northernmost (28°S-30°S) and southern-central districts (33°S-37°S). The highest percentages and sizes of epibionts (Lepas spp.), indicative of prolonged floating periods, were found on stranded kelps in the northernmost and southernmost districts. Based on these results, we conclude that rafting dispersal can vary regionally, being more common in the northernmost and southernmost districts,depending on intrinsic (seaweed biology) and extrinsic factors (shore morphology and oceanography) that affect local supply of kelps and regional hydrodynamics.

Herbivore-Alga Interaction Strength Influences Spatial Heterogeneity in a Kelp-Dominated Intertidal Community.

There is a general consensus that marine herbivores can affect algal species composition and abundance, but little empirical work exists on the role of herbivores as modifiers of the spatial structure of resource assemblages. Here, we test the consumption/bulldozing effects of the molluscan grazer Enoplochiton niger and its influence on the spatial structure of a low intertidal community dominated by the bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica and the kelp Lessonia spicata. Through field experiments conducted at a rocky intertidal shore in north-central Chile (~30°-32°S), the edge of the grazer and algae geographic distributions, we estimated the strength and variability of consumptive effects of the grazer on different functional group of algae. We also used data from abundance field surveys to evaluate spatial co-occurrence patterns of the study species. Exclusion-enclosure experiments showed that E. niger maintained primary space available by preventing algal colonization, even of large brown algae species. The grazing activity of E. niger also reduced spatial heterogeneity of the ephemeral algal species, increasing bare space availability and variability through time in similar ways to those observed for the collective effect with other grazers. Overall, our result suggests that E. niger can be considered an important modifier of the spatial structure of the large brown algae-dominated community. Effects of E. niger on resource variability seem to be directly related to its foraging patterns, large body size, and population densities, which are all relevant factors for management and conservation of the large brown algae community. Our study thus highlights the importance of considering functional roles and identity of generalist consumers on spatial structure of the entire landscape.

Rafting dispersal constrained by an oceanographic boundary

ABSTRACT: The role of oceanographic processes in mediating passive marine dispersal events ispoorly understood. We conducted transect surveys across the subtropical front (STF), a majoroceanographic boundary, to test the hypothesis that this physical feature constrains the rafting ofdetached macroalgae. Specifically, we used genetic analysis to assess the geographic origins offloating bull-kelp Durvillaea antarctica specimens in southern New Zealand. Nearly half of thefloating specimens sampled immediately beyond the STF (30 to 60 km offshore) were shown tohave distant subantarctic origins, despite their proximity to the New Zealand mainland at the timeof sampling. These results suggest that the biogeographic composition of rafting communities isoften predictable based on oceanographic features, but also imply that strong wind events havethe potential to modify such patterns.KEY WORDS: Biogeography · Biological oceanography · Connectivity · Durvillaea antarctica ·Kelp · Raft Resale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher

Morphological, physiological and reproductive conditions of rafting bull kelp (Durvillaea antarctica) in northern-central Chile (30°S)

The bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica is a common floating alga in the southern hemisphere, but despite the ecological and biogeographic importance of kelp rafts, little is known about the responses of detached kelps to the conditions at the sea surface. The morphological, physiological and reproductive performances of D. antarctica rafts in the Coastal System of Coquimbo, Chile (CSC, ~30°S), were examined during winter and summer of two successive years (2010/11 and 2011/12). Epibionts (Lepas spp.) that only attach to floating objects were used as indicator for the floating time of kelp rafts. Photosynthetic efficiency and reproductive maturity of both benthic and floating algae varied seasonally, with a stronger decrease in summer than in winter. Blade size (measured as weight proportion of kelp individuals), phlorotannin concentrations and antioxidant activities were lower in floating than in benthic algae. Environmental conditions and floating time affected the blade tissues, with stronger negative effects during summer. These results confirm that floating persistence of D. antarctica in the CSC is suppressed during the summer months, which indicates that the dispersal potential of this (and other) floating algae varies seasonally.

Seasonal variation in floating persistence of detached Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot thalli

Abstract Several large kelp species are capable of long-distance dispersal via rafting. However, seasonal changes in environmental conditions at the sea surface may variably affect the physiological status of the floating thalli; challenging conditions during summer may accelerate disintegration and cause rapid sinking. We used the bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica from northern-central Chile (30°S) to test seasonal variation in floating persistence. Experiments with tethered specimens were conducted in all seasons to assess how variable environmental conditions influence the morphology and photosynthetic characteristics of floating D. antarctica. Floating specimens stayed afloat at the surface for more than 1 month during moderate environmental conditions that prevailed in winter, spring, and fall. However, higher water temperatures and intense solar radiation in summer resulted in significant biomass losses and rapid disintegration of the floating kelps; consequently, they sank within &lt;1 month. These strong seasonal effects were reflected in decreasing maximal quantum yield as well as in maximum relative electron transport rates of photosynthesis. Understanding physiological responses of floating algae is important because increasing global temperatures and shifts in solar radiation may strongly affect the survival of floating algae, potentially reducing the distances and frequencies of rafting dispersal.

A novel phytomyxean parasite associated with galls on the bull-kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot.

Durvillaea antarctica (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) is a large kelp of high ecological and economic significance in the Southern Hemisphere. In natural beds along the central coast of Chile (Pacific Ocean), abnormal growth characterized by evident gall development and discolorations of the fronds/thallus was observed. Analysing these galls by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of endophytic eukaryotes showing typical characteristics for phytomyxean parasites. The parasite developed within enlarged cells of the subcortical tissue of the host. Multinucleate plasmodia developed into many, single resting spores. The affiliation of this parasite to the Phytomyxea (Rhizaria) was supported by 18S rDNA data, placing it within the Phagomyxida. Similar microorganisms were already reported once 23 years ago, indicating that these parasites are persistent and widespread in D. antarctica beds for long times. The symptoms caused by this parasite are discussed along with the ecological and economic consequences. Phytomyxean parasites may play an important role in the marine ecosystem, but they remain understudied in this environment. Our results demonstrate for the first time the presence of resting spores in Phagomyxida, an order in which resting spores were thought to be absent making this the first record of a phagomyxean parasite with a complete life cycle so far, challenging the existing taxonomic concepts within the Phytomyxea. The importance of the here described resting spores for the survival and ecology of the phagomyxid parasite will be discussed together with the impact this parasite may have on ‘the strongest seaweed of the world’, which is an important habitat forming and economic resource from the Southern Hemisphere.

Genetic signatures of rafting dispersal in algal-dwelling brooders Limnoria spp. (Isopoda) along the SE Pacific (Chile)

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 455:111-122 (2012) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09673 Genetic signatures of rafting dispersal in algal-dwelling brooders Limnoria spp. (Isopoda) along the SE Pacific (Chile) Pilar A. Haye1,*, Andrea I. Varela1,2, Martin Thiel1 1Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, and Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile 2Present address: School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand *Email: phaye@ucn.cl ABSTRACT: Brooding marine isopods of the genus Limnoria inhabit and feed on kelp holdfasts and wood. These substrata have high floating potential, making these species ideal organisms to study the effects of rafting-mediated connectivity on the population structure of brooders living on rafting substrata. It is hypothesized that rafting leaves particular genetic signatures such as low differentiation among distant local populations and absence of isolation by distance (IBD) at a macro-geographic scale (thousands of km). Using cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences, we tested the effects of rafting-mediated gene flow with respect to genetic differentiation on L. quadripunctata (from wood and also the holdfasts of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera) and L. chilensis (mainly from the bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica) sampled across 2400 km of the Chilean coast. Analyses of COI data for both species indicated low differentiation between distant locations along the Chilean coast and lack of IBD, bearing the expected genetic signatures of rafting dispersal. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with COI and the nuclear gene 28S to place the genetic diversity of Chilean Limnoria spp. into a wider geographical context. Both markers revealed that L. quadripunctata from Chile is a sister clade to other Limnoria spp. analyzed (L. chilensis, L. segnis, and L. stephenseni), which mainly inhabit D. antarctica. L. chilensis from Chile and subantarctic islands form a tight monophyletic group. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses show that along the studied area, L. quadripunctata and L. chilensis have the genetic signatures of relatively recent or ongoing rafting. KEY WORDS: Peracarids · Rafting · Biogeography · Mitochondrial DNA · COI · 28S · Phylogeny · Phylogeography Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Haye PA, Varela AI, Thiel M (2012) Genetic signatures of rafting dispersal in algal-dwelling brooders Limnoria spp. (Isopoda) along the SE Pacific (Chile). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 455:111-122. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09673 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 455. Online publication date: May 30, 2012 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2012 Inter-Research.

GENETIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF THE SOUTHERN BULL KELP DURVILLAEA ANTARCTICA (PHAEOPHYCEAE: DURVILLAEALES) IN NEW ZEALAND REVEAL CRYPTIC SPECIES(1).

Many macroalgae exhibit considerable intraspecific morphological variation, but whether such variation reflects phenotypic plasticity or underlying genetic differences is often poorly understood. We quantified both morphological and genetic variation of 96 plants from seven field sites across eastern South Island, New Zealand, to assess genetic differences between morphotypes of the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Cham.) Har. Consistent DNA sequence differentiation across mitochondrial, plastid, and nuclear loci was correlated with two broadly sympatric morphotypes: "cape" and "thonged." These ecologically, morphologically, and genetically distinct bull-kelp lineages were previously considered to be environmentally determined phenotypes with no underlying genetic basis. Interestingly, the sheltered "cape" lineage appears essentially genetically uniform across its South Island range, whereas the exposed "thonged" lineage exhibits marked phylogeographic structure across its range. Results suggest that D.antarctica in New Zealand comprises two reproductively isolated species.

Sediment on rocky intertidal reefs: Effects on early post-settlement stages of habitat-forming seaweeds

Modification of the coastal environment by human activities often leads to an increase in sedimentation of nearshore waters, with potential impacts on benthic marine assemblages. Here we assess the relationships between the levels of sedimentation, wave exposure and benthic organisms on rocky intertidal platforms around the Kaikoura Peninsula in southern New Zealand. We designed and tested five sediment traps to provide a tool for measuring the relative abundance of sediment across sites. Using field- and laboratory-based experiments, we tested hypotheses concerning whether different levels of sedimentation affected algal germling survival and algal zygote attachment, and whether the interactions of grazers and sediments affected germling survival. Levels of sediment and exposure were inversely related across seven sites. The fucoid alga Hormosira banksii characterized the more sedimented wave-sheltered and intermediately wave-exposed sites, with up to 80% cover in the lower mid-tidal zone, while the bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica characterized the three most wave-exposed sites. Grazing molluscs were found across all sites but species abundances varied by sediment and exposure levels. We did two 11-day trials testing the effects of different levels of sediment and different species of molluscan grazers on the survival of 1-week-old Hormosira germlings. Generally, there was no significant treatment effect of grazers, but mortality varied considerably among sites. In particular, one site had very high levels of sediment, which resulted in 100% mortality of germlings across all grazer treatments. Removing sediment at 1-week, 2-week and 4-week intervals made no difference to the survival of Hormosira germlings. In laboratory-based experiments, a light dusting of sediment reduced the percentage of zygotes of Hormosira by 34% and Durvillaea by 71% that attached to primary substratum, and a complete cover of sediment prevented attachment altogether. Overall, the effects of sediments and its interaction with molluscan grazing were highly variable but often large, particularly on the attachment of zygotes to primary substratum.

Self-replacement and community modification by the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica

Stands of the southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot provide consid- erable biomass and a major habitat in the lower intertidal zone of exposed shores on the austral land masses. Whiplash effects of adult fronds (up to 10 m long) can affect recruitment, growth and survival of understorey species and potentially large brown algal competitors, thereby affecting community development. In southern New Zealand, D. antarctica is one of several species of large brown algae inhabiting the low intertidal zone. Effects of its canopy and its associated understorey coralline algae on community development were tested at 2 sites (Moeraki and Kaikoura) at different times of year between February 1999 and October 2001. Removal of D. antarctica canopies had surprising results compared to most studies where canopies of large brown algae were removed. The greatest initial recruitment of bull kelp occurred beneath intact canopies, usually in areas where corallines were removed. Recruitment was highly variable through time, with peaks occurring in June and October (austral winter-spring), depending mostly on when canopies were removed. There was an order of magnitude difference in recruitment between sites. The cover of turfing coralline algae, however, increased in all canopy removal treatments. A major source of mortality of young recruits was graz- ing by the herbivorous fish Odax pullus. Its distinct grazing marks were seen on recruits, almost exclusively outside the canopy of bull kelp where 80% of recruits were grazed. We show that D. antarctica has the ability to recruit beneath adult canopies, but that survival and growth ultimately depend on the extent of canopies, underlaying benthic algae and escapes from grazing by herbivo- rous fish.

Human exclusion from rocky intertidal of Las Cruces, central Chile: effects on Durvillaea antarctica (Phaeophyta, Durvilleales)

On the exposed rocky shores of central Chile there exists a continuous small-scale harvesting of bull-kelp Durvillaea antarctica, by 'mariscadores' (shellfish and algae gatherers). These harvest both fronds and stipes for human consumption. To assess the effects of human activity on D. antarctica populations, the density, standing crop and size structure of the kelp were compared in non- harvested (fenced) and regularly harvested (unfenced) areas. Both coastal mainland and small islands were included in the fenced and unfenced areas. Unfenced islands were expected to receive less human disturbance than unfenced mainland areas, because the islands were less accessible to harvesters. Populations of kelp underwent great fluctuations in abundance throughout the study period Compari- son between harvested and non-harvested areas revealed significant differences in density, biomass and size structure In contrast, no significant differences were found between nearshore islands inside and outside the fenced area. Sources of variation in abundance of populations correspond to recrut- ment, natural mortality and harvesting, especially in harvested mainland areas. Interaction between tune and extent of exploitation is significant when D antarctica biomass is considered. The existence of protected areas (coastal preserves) and of areas of difficult access to mariscadores (refuges or 'buffer- zones') allows the preservation of populations and facilitates re-population of harvested zones.

Phenology of stranded kelp degradation by the kelp fly Paractora dreuxi mirabilis (Helcomyzidae) at Marion island

During heavy seas, bull-kelp Durvillaea antarctica (Cham.) Har. plants are stranded either singly or in wrack beds on sub-Antarctic Marion Island's (46°54′S, 37°45′E) few pebbled beaches. In the supralittoral zone, Durvillaea wrack is consumed chiefly by kelp fly larvae (the endemic Paractora dreuxi mirabilis Seguy), whilst two marine amphipods attack wrack in the eulittoral and sometimes in the supralittoral zone. During the summer of 1984 on Marion Island, artificial Durvillaea deposits were established in the supralittoral zone of a beach close to the meteorological station and were closely monitored for six weeks thereafter. Eight days after deposition, temperatures inside the protected wrack bed reached 10°C above ambient, and P. dreuxi larvae attained a maximum biomass of 27 g/kg (dry mass) of kelp in the bed. After 30 days, wrack strings and a protected wrack bed had lost 80 and 65%, respectively, of their original dry mass. A bed left exposed to trampling by seals had disappeared. Over 30 days, P. dreuxi larvae accounted for 35% of the dry mass loss in the wrack bed. P. dreuxi has an opportunistic and flexible ecological strategy, facilitated by a stable, interstitial biotope of particulate kelp detritus from which it colonizes fresh wrack.

Some factors affecting the upper limit of the southern bull kelpDurvillaea antarctica(Chamisso) Hariot on two New Zealand shores

Abstract Experimental removal of limpets from intertidal rock above the low tidal band of the bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica on the Kaikoura coast enabled kelp sporelings to colonize levels up to 1.6 m above the normal upper margin of the kelp band. A similar experiment on the southeast Otago coast involving the removal of both barnacles and limpets did not have the same effect. The sporelings which grew above the kelp band at Kaikoura were unable to survive hot, dry conditions during summer, and it appears that although removing limpets did raise the level colonized by sporelings, the upper margins of the D. antarctica band is determined mainly by the physiological tolerance of sporelings to desiccation. The upper margin of the D. antarctica band is shown to be higher on the shore in southeast Otago than at Kaikoura. This difference is attributed to the relatively cooler and moister conditions that occur during summer in southeast Otago.

Antarctica: A history of antarctic discovery

Current knowledge about the performance of floating seaweeds as dispersal vectors comes mostly from mid latitudes (30°–40°), but phylogeographic studies suggest that long-distance dispersal (LDD) is more common at high latitudes (50°–60°). To test this hypothesis, long-term field experiments with floating southern bull kelp Durvillaea antarctica were conducted along a latitudinal gradient (30°S, 37°S and 54°S) in austral winter and summer. Floating time exceeded 200d in winter at the high latitudes but in summer it dropped to 90d, being still higher than at low latitudes (<45d). Biomass variations were due to loss of buoyant fronds. Reproductive activity diminished during long floating times. Physiological changes included mainly a reduction in photosynthetic (Fv/Fm and pigments) rather than in defence variables (phlorotannins and antioxidant activity). The observed long floating persistence and long-term acclimation responses at 54°S support the hypothesis of LDD by kelp rafts at high latitudes.