Ecological effects of harvesting Lessonia (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) in central Chile

摘要: Lessonia nigrescens and L. trabeculata are economically important canopy-forming kelps in Chile. Experimental harvesting of stipes above the first dichotomy reduces stipe movement inter-stipe friction, allowing development a heavy epiphytic load increased grazing. Complete removal leads to holdfast death as neither species is able simultaneously regenerate all stipes. The invertebrate fauna inside does not respond upper canopy changes, but mortality occur partial or complete plant removals. Kelp also affects inter-plant distances, results access grazers outside kelp holdfasts, recruitment other algal species, modifies morphology such that plants become more susceptible by water movement.