Demography and population biology of the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida on shallow reefs in southern New Zealand

Schiel, David R.; Thompson, G. A.

doi:10.1016/j.jembe.2012.07.023

Cited by 53 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 55 publications

(84 reference statements)

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“…Colonization of natural habitats may have been facilitated by disturbance to native canopies, through storm events or anthropogenic stressors for example, as has been shown elsewhere (Valentine and Johnson, 2003;Schiel and Thompson, 2012) It is not yet known whether the presence of U. pinnatifida in the UK has detrimental effects on native flora and fauna, through increased competition for resources for example, as has been suggested in other temperate regions invaded by U. pinnatifida (Curiel et al, 1998;Casas et al, 2004). Alternatively, U. pinnatifida may have negligible effects on native macroalgae as it may occupy a different niche than native canopy formers, with minimal spatial or temporal overlap in demand for resources.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

The structure of biogenic habitat and epibiotic assemblages associated with the global invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in comparison to native macroalgae

et al. 2015

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Kelp forests dominate temperate and polar rocky coastlines and represent critical marine habitats because they support elevated rates of primary and secondary production and high biodiversity. A major threat to the stability of these ecosystems is the proliferation of nonnative species, such as the Japanese kelp Undaria pinnatifida ('Wakame'), which has recently colonised natural habitats in the UK. We quantified the abundance and biomass of U. pinnatifida on a natural rocky reef habitat over 10 months to make comparisons with three native canopy-forming brown algae (Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina latissima, and Saccorhiza polyschides). We also examined the biogenic habitat structure provided by, and epibiotic assemblages associated with, U. pinnatifida in comparison to native macroalgae. Surveys conducted within the Plymouth Sound Special Area of Conservation indicated that U. pinnatifida is now a dominant and conspicuous member of kelp-dominated communities on natural substrata. Crucially, U. pinnatifida supported a structurally dissimilar and less diverse epibiotic assemblage than the native perennial kelp species. However, U. pinnatifidaassociated assemblages were similar to those associated with Saccorhiza polyschides, which has a similar life history and growth strategy. Our results suggest that a shift towards U. pinnatifida dominated reefs could result in impoverished epibiotic assemblages and lower local biodiversity, although this could be offset, to some extent, by the climate-driven proliferation of L. ochroleuca at the poleward range edge, which provides complex biogenic habitat and harbours relatively high biodiversity. Clearly, greater understanding of the long-term dynamics and competitive interactions between these habitat-forming species is needed to accurately predict future biodiversity patterns.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

The structure of biogenic habitat and epibiotic assemblages associated with the global invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in comparison to native macroalgae

et al. 2015

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“…Turfs may inhibit the recruitment of taller algae , Perkol-Finkel & Airoldi 2010 through the inability of their spores to attach to solid surfaces (Nor-ton & Fetter 1981, Airoldi 1998. They may also, especially in the intertidal zone, facilitate the recruitment of some kelps by providing suitable microenvironments and a refuge from grazing for microscopic stages (McConnico & Foster 2005, Schiel & Thompson 2012.…”

Section: Association With Sedimentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

What are algal turfs? Towards a better description of turfs

Connell¹,

Föster²,

Airoldi³

2014

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

252

181

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The use of standardised classifications, or operational definitions, is essential if different researchers are to measure and compare similar entities. In the marine realm, algal 'turfs' are increasingly reported to be globally expanding at the expense of kelps and canopy-forming algae. However, ecological research about the underlying drivers of this shift is limited by a vague and inconsistent definition of what exactly a turf is. In order to stimulate more effective descriptions of 'turfs' and facilitate communication of research outcomes and comparisons across studies, we reviewed the use of the term turf in ecological studies of temperate coasts and coral reefs and (1) identified the main types and distribution of algal assemblages known as 'turfs', (2) examined the descriptions of turfs so that we may recognise some general characteristics, including those contingent on environmental conditions; and (3) offered character descriptions that could improve communication and comparisons. These descriptors centre on reporting information on the morphology, height, density of thalli, the amount of sediment trapped in turfs and a description of the area covered by turfs, including their patchiness and persistence. Our review recognised these as common attributes that could be usefully described across a wide range of circumstances and provide insights into the ecology of turfs and their interactions with other assemblages in a community. The use of common descriptors would provide the term 'turf' with greater scientific value.

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“…It is an annual species with macroscopic sporophyte and microscopic gametophyte phases. Large sporophytes between 1 and 2 m in length are most abundant during the winter and spring (Schiel & Thompson 2012). Zoospores are released in spring and microscopic plant phases develop over summer (Stuart 1997, Thompson 2004, Schiel & Thompson 2012.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Resistance and facilitation by native algal communities in the invasion success of Undaria pinnatifida

Thompson¹,

Schiel²

2012

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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ABSTRACT:The mechanisms by which non-indigenous species overcome resistance in native communities are not well understood but are fundamental to the ability of invaders to persist and spread once they reach alien shores. One of the most widespread invaders is the kelp Undaria pinnatifida. Here we test disturbance, competition and facilitation in its recruitment into intertidal algal communities in southern New Zealand. In field-based experiments, we manipulated native fucoid and U. pinnatifida canopies, as well as the abundance and type of understory turfing species, and provided various gap sizes in native communities. Undaria pinnatifida recruitment occurred almost exclusively on coralline turf and in the absence of canopies, both native and conspecific. Where the native fucoid canopy was removed, U. pinnatifida recruited into gaps of all sizes (5 × 5 cm, 25 × 25 cm, 50 × 50 cm), but the smallest gaps recovered their native canopy within several months and precluded further recruitment. Experimental manipulations of coralline turf showed that recruitment of U. pinnatifida was orders of magnitude greater where turf was present, regardless of the timing or sizes of clearances. Facilitation did not occur with other turfing species. Overall, native fucoids showed high resistance to invasion, but there was great facilitation by native coralline turf. Furthermore, as annual U. pinnatifida canopies disappear over summer, it is clear that coralline turf harbors the microscopic stages of U. pinnatifida that will form the following year's populations. As turfing species increase and persist following disturbances of native canopies worldwide, it can be expected that the recruitment dynamics of non-indigenous species will also change.

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Demography and population biology of the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida on shallow reefs in southern New Zealand

Cited by 53 publications

References 55 publications

The structure of biogenic habitat and epibiotic assemblages associated with the global invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in comparison to native macroalgae

The structure of biogenic habitat and epibiotic assemblages associated with the global invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in comparison to native macroalgae

What are algal turfs? Towards a better description of turfs

Resistance and facilitation by native algal communities in the invasion success of Undaria pinnatifida

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