Variations in growth, erosion, productivity, and morphology of ecklonia radiata (alariaceae; laminariales) along a fjord in southern new zealand¹

摘要: Spatial and temporal patterns of growth, erosion, productivity, morphology the dominant habitat- forming kelp Ecklonia radiata (C. Agardh) J. Agardh were studied bimonthly over 1.5 years in a southern New Zealand fjord characterized by strong gradients light wave exposure. differences in growth observed with rates at two outer coast, high-light, wave-exposed sites reaching 0.42 0.45 cm · d -1 , respectively, compared to 0.27 an inner, more homogeneous site. Sporophyte productivity was similar among sites, although population greater the outer due to density being 5-fold greater than inner site. It expected that the site would have no pronounced seasonal pattern its homogeneity; however, all three displayed maximum rates late winter/spring minimal autumn. Growth 2-fold during first growth period following year. This discrepancy was not correlated inorganic nitrogen (N) levels, which remained low year-round (<4 μM), and is likely a result interaction between and temperature, photosynthetic capability of E. . Variable pigment content indicated photoacclimation Morphological differences sites, E. radiata from having longer, wider, thinner blades longer stipes. While displayed spatial differences erosion, productivity, and morphology, populations no temporal differences. These results highlight the need for understanding mechanisms influencing unique marine environment.