Investigating bull kelp decline in Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zone
Fairfield Checko, Rachel (author) Joy, Ruth (thesis advisor) Joy, Ruth (chair) Ransome, Douglas (committee member) British Columbia Institute of Technology School of Construction and the Environment (Degree granting institution) Simon Fraser University Faculty of Environment (Degree granting institution)
Research paper/project
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ © Rachel Fairfield Checko, 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – graphics, electronic, or mechanical including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems – without written permission of the author.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
British Columbia Institute of Technology
2024-05-19
50 pages
Kelp is an ecologically, economically, and culturally important species that is facing global declines. This pilot project investigated if declines in Bull Kelp in the Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zone could be attributed to increased herbivory by sea urchins, and/or thermal stress caused by increased ocean temperatures. In areas where sea urchins were excluded, bull kelp was more abundant and in areas where sea urchins were not excluded, heavy grazing was observed. Throughout the summer 2023 study period, sea surface temperature did not exceed bull kelp’s adult or gametophyte thermal tolerance. Restoration of this site should include methods to reduce sea urchin herbivory, while carefully considering cultural and ecological implications.
macroalgae sea urchin bull kelp kelp restoration herbivore exclusion
Ecological Restoration Program
electronic
Master of Science
