“…Recently, studies of kelp population dynamics have focused on processes regulating the fertility, survivorship, and growth of the microscopic life history stages (Deysher & Dean 1984, 1986, Reed et al 1988, 1991, Reed 1990, Graham 1996, 1999, Kinlan et al 2003, as recruitment to macroscopic size appears to be key in controlling variability in kelp population density (Graham et al 1997). Small unicellular gametophytes can reach fertility in very short periods (~ 14 days), whereas multicellular gametophytes may remain sterile for prolonged durations (e.g., Lüning & Neushul 1978, Kain 1979, Hoffmann & Santelices 1982, Ávila et al 1985.…”