High-latitude calcified coralline algae exhibit seasonal vulnerability to acidification despite physical proximity to a non-calcified alga

Bell, Lauren E.; Gomez, John C.; Donham, Emily M.; Steller, Diana L.; Gabrielson, Paul W.; Kroeker, KJ

doi:10.1016/j.ecochg.2022.100049

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 106 publications

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“…Therefore, we chose to assume that nutrient availability, like seasonal light availability, would not differ significantly in this region in the future. All aquaria were fitted with a full‐spectrum light (Aqua Illumination) that provided seasonally relevant regimes of photosynthetically active radiation spectra and photoperiod within the aquaria based on observations during overcast days in Sitka Sound (winter experiment: photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) 10–25 μmol m −2 s −1 , 7.5 h day −1 ; summer experiment: PPFD 40–80 μmol m −2 s −1 , 11 h day −1 ) (Bell et al, 2022). The entire experimental system was shielded from external light sources, and aquaria positions were randomized by treatment and relative location within the system to minimize spatial variation among the random factors aquaria and header .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To isolate the seasonal effects of environmental change on these kelp species, we grew adult sporophyte blades of each macroalga within two, month‐long experiments in winter (February–March) and summer (August–September). Experimental controls were designed to approximate current environmental conditions in Sitka Sound (Bell et al, 2022; Bell & Kroeker, 2022; Kroeker et al, 2021), and OA and OW treatments were based on projected end‐of‐century scenarios of OA and OW for this region (IPCC, 2018; Mathis et al, 2015). At the end of the experiments, we assessed the seasonal impact of OW and OA on kelp growth rates, thallus nitrogen content, and carbon acquisition strategy based on thallus δ 13 C values.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Season influences interspecific responses of canopy‐forming kelps to future warming and acidification at high latitude

Bell,

Westphal,

O'Brien

et al. 2024

Ecosphere

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Variability in primary producers' responses to environmental change may buffer higher trophic levels against shifts in basal resource composition. Then again, in instances where there is a lack of functional redundancy because consumers rely on a few species to meet their energetic requirements at specific times of the year, altered community production dynamics may significantly impact food web resilience. In high‐latitude kelp forests, a complementary annual phenology of seaweed production supports coastal marine consumers' metabolic needs across large seasonal variations in their environment. Yet, marine consumers in these systems may face significant metabolic stress under the pronounced low pH conditions expected in future winters, particularly if they lack the resources to support their increased energetic demands. In this study, we investigate how the growth and nutritional value of three dominant, coexisting macroalgal species found in subpolar kelp forests will respond to ocean acidification and warming in future winter and summer seasons. We find that the three kelps Macrocystis pyrifera, Hedophyllum nigripes, and Neoagarum fimbriatum differ in their vulnerability to future environmental conditions, and that the seasonal environmental context of nutrient and light availability shapes these responses. Our results suggest that poleward fringe populations of M. pyrifera may be relatively resilient to anticipated ocean warming and acidification. In contrast, ocean warming conditions caused a decrease in the biomass and nutritional quality of both understory kelps. Considering the unique production phenology of H. nigripes, we emphasize that negative impacts on this species in future winters may be of consequence to consumer energetics in this system. This work highlights how interspecific variation in autotrophs' responses to global change can disrupt the diversity and phenological structure of energy supply available to higher trophic levels.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Season influences interspecific responses of canopy‐forming kelps to future warming and acidification at high latitude

Bell,

Westphal,

O'Brien

et al. 2024

Ecosphere

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“… 2019 , Bell et al. 2022 ). Additionally, the physiological tolerance of M. pyrifera is likely challenged at certain times of the year near the edge of the range, which may also restrict its overall productivity (e.g., King et al.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…The long photoperiod of the high latitude spring and summer contributes to seasonally high rates of production for some macroalgal species (Druehl and Wheeler 1986, van Tussenbroek 1989, Brown et al 1997, Nielsen et al 2014). Yet, the duration and magnitude of this production may be constrained by intense competition for nutrients and light with phytoplankton blooms and other macroalgae (Kavanaugh et al 2009, Miller et al 2011, Pfister et al 2019, Bell et al 2022. Additionally, the physiological tolerance of M. pyrifera is likely challenged at certain times of the year near the edge of the range, which may also restrict its overall productivity (e.g., King et al 2020).…”

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confidence: 99%

Standing Crop, Turnover, and Production Dynamics of Macrocystis pyrifera and Understory Species Hedophyllum nigripes and Neoagarum fimbriatum in High Latitude Giant Kelp Forests

Bell

Kroeker

2022

Journal of Phycology

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Production rates reported for canopy‐forming kelps have highlighted the potential contributions of these foundational macroalgal species to carbon cycling and sequestration on a globally relevant scale. Yet, the production dynamics of many kelp species remain poorly resolved. For example, productivity estimates for the widely distributed giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera are based on a few studies from the center of this species' range. To address this geospatial bias, we surveyed giant kelp beds in their high latitude fringe habitat in southeast Alaska to quantify foliar standing crop, growth and loss rates, and productivity of M. pyrifera and co‐occurring understory kelps Hedophyllum nigripes and Neoagarum fimbriatum. We found that giant kelp beds at the poleward edge of their range produce ~150 g C · m−2 · year−1 from a standing biomass that turns over an estimated 2.1 times per year, substantially lower rates than have been observed at lower latitudes. Although the productivity of high latitude M. pyrifera dwarfs production by associated understory kelps in both winter and summer seasons, phenological differences in growth and relative carbon and nitrogen content among the three kelp species suggests their complementary value as nutritional resources to consumers. This work represents the highest latitude consideration of M. pyrifera forest production to date, providing a valuable quantification of kelp carbon cycling in this highly seasonal environment.

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High-latitude calcified coralline algae exhibit seasonal vulnerability to acidification despite physical proximity to a non-calcified alga

Cited by 2 publications

References 106 publications

Season influences interspecific responses of canopy‐forming kelps to future warming and acidification at high latitude

Season influences interspecific responses of canopy‐forming kelps to future warming and acidification at high latitude

Standing Crop, Turnover, and Production Dynamics of Macrocystis pyrifera and Understory Species Hedophyllum nigripes and Neoagarum fimbriatum in High Latitude Giant Kelp Forests

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