Effects of harvesting on subtidal kelp forests (Lessonia trabeculata) in Central Chile
Creators
- 1. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- 2. Instituto de Fomento Pesquero
Description
The systematic degradation of marine ecosystems is a global phenomenon that has important and diverse consequences including biodiversity loss and reduced ecosystem service provisions. In temperate regions, subtidal kelp forests are dominant ecosystems in rocky coasts, subjected to the influence of local-scale stressors and regional environmental variation. For example, kelps within the Humboldt Current System are at risk of degradation from live-harvesting by fisheries. However, limited information exists regarding the long-term consequences of kelp harvesting which, in turn, limits the ability to provide effective management and conservation efforts. Here, we examined the ecosystem-level consequences of the artisanal subtidal Lessonia trabeculata fishery along the coast of central Chile during a two-year period, assessing a) the change in adult and juvenile L. trabeculata density within harvested and non-harvested (control) plots (~90m2), b) the impact of L. trabeculata harvesting on reef fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages, and c) the change in density of the most abundant L. trabeculata-associated species. The experiment was conducted over a two-year period, from December 2016 to May 2019. Approximately 90% of L. trabeculata was removed by an experienced kelp fisherman in experimental plots. After two years, L. trabeculata and its associated community showed a lack of recovery in the harvested plots. Within these plots, the average abundance of the rock shrimp, Rhynchocinetes typus, and the herbivorous snail, Tegula tridentata, was greater than in non-harvested plots and the pattern persisted over the study period. The difference in abundance of associated species may be key to the (lack of) recovery of L. trabeculata forests. Our study highlights the impact of L. trabeculata harvesting on associated fauna, however, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the capacity and time frame to re-establish the original biomass of L. trabeculata, as well as its associated fauna. The management of L. trabeculata fisheries needs to account for ecosystem-wide impacts in order to better manage and protect vital coastal ecosystems.
Notes
6 different sheets are uploaded:
Spread Sheet Spread Sheet description
1. Spp_DB Data base of the average abundance for each taxa, standardized per unit of observation
1. Spp_DB Data base of the average abundance for each taxa, standardized per unit of observation
1. Spp_DB Data base of the average abundance for each taxa, standardized per unit of observation
1. Spp_DB Data base of the average abundance for each taxa, standardized per unit of observation
1. Spp_DB Data base of the average abundance for each taxa, standardized per unit of observation
2. Slope_DB Data base of the slope observed in each plot
2. Slope_DB Data base of the slope observed in each plot
3. Rugosity_DB Data base of the surface rugosity observed in each plot
3. Rugosity_DB Data base of the surface rugosity observed in each plot
3. Rugosity_DB Data base of the surface rugosity observed in each plot
4. Depth_DB Data base of the average depth observed in each plot
4. Depth_DB Data base of the average depth observed in each plot
5. Kelp Morphology Data base of the kelp forest characterization observed in each plot
5. Kelp Morphology Data base of the kelp forest characterization observed in each plot
5. Kelp Morphology Data base of the kelp forest characterization observed in each plot
5. Kelp Morphology Data base of the kelp forest characterization observed in each plot
5. Kelp Morphology Data base of the kelp forest characterization observed in each plot
6. Readme
Column
Column description
A-C Sampling Time, Treatment and Plot Identification
D-E Kelp density data in: individuals * m-2
F-AU Mobile Benthic Macroinvertebrates density data in: individuals * m-2
AV-BS Sessile Kelp Understory species coverage data in: %
BT-CL Reef Fish density data in: individuals * m-3
A-C Sampling Time, Treatment and Plot Identification
D Estimated slope of the plot
A-C Sampling Time, Treatment and Plot Identification
D N° of Replicate within each plot
E Observed chain length once it was placed over the seafloor
A-C Sampling Time, Treatment and Plot Identification
D Average depth of the plot
A-C Sampling Time, Treatment and Plot Identification
D Average Holdfast Diameter within each plot, meassured as the maximum observed diameter
E Average N° of Stipes per kelp within each plot
F Average Foliage Index per kelp within each plot
G Average Height per kelp within each plot, measured in a straight line from the holdfast up to the top of canopy
Funding provided by: Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100010747
Award Number: NE/S011692
Funding provided by: FONDECYT
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002850
Award Number: 1210216
Funding provided by: FONDECYT
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002850
Award Number: 1171603
Funding provided by: FONDECYT
Crossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002850
Award Number: 1130167
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