The role of kelp export in shaping adjacent benthic ecosystems: steps for international collaboration

Kelp forests are one of the most iconic ecosystems in the world. They form complex habitats where rich and diverse communities can thrive. However, natural and man-related stressors are impacting kelp forests on a global scale. Changes in kelp biomass have been documented in different regions, including Australia, Spain, Portugal, France, Sweden, the United States, Japan and Canada. Some of the suggested drivers for such changes are ocean warming and sea urchin grazing. In Norway, over 80% of the kelp production is exported to adjacent ecosystems, but the role played by this kelp detritus in fueling adjacent faunal communities is poorly understood. Thus, researchers from several countries where kelp is a major ecosystem have recognized the need to better understand the drivers of kelp forest change, as well as the impact of this change on adjacent ecosystems. KELCO brought together 23 world-leading scientists from Norway (14) and 6 other countries (3 from UK, 1 from Ireland, 1 from Denmark, 1 from USA, 2 from Canada and 1 from Australia) with different expertise in the study of kelp and marine ecology. Over 2 days, the workshop facilitated discussions on kelp export and impact, allowing for comparisons of ecosystems with different drivers at a large geographic scale. A first morning of presentations provided an overview of the current state-of-the art on knowledge of kelp detritus production and fate at different geographic locations. This was followed by two half days of discussions on four major topics: 1) how is kelp detritus produced? 2) methods for quantification of kelp detritus transport; 3) how is the kelp detritus used by animals on the seafloor? And 4) how can regime shifts that transform kelp forests in barren grounds impact detritus supply to adjacent ecosystems and will this have consequences on the ecosystem services provided? The workshop resulted in new collaborative initiatives, including planning for joint field study, a joint scientific paper and a planning for a student exchange.

Kelp forests are one of the most iconic ecosystems in the world, forming complex systems that provide a major source of primary production and support rich and diverse communities. However, natural and anthropogenic stressors are impacting kelp forests on a global scale. In recent decades, major changes in kelp biomass due to ocean warming, eutrophication and sea urchin grazing have been documented in Australia, Spain, Portugal, France, Sweden, the United States, Japan and Canada. In Norway, over 80% of the kelp production is exported to adjacent ecosystems, but the role played by kelp detritus in fueling adjacent benthic communities is poorly understood. The need to better understand the processes affecting kelp production and regime shifts, and the resulting impact on adjacent ecosystems has been recognized by a number of countries where kelp is a key ecosystem and a major service provider. The aim of KELCO is to bring together national and international experts with different scientific backgrounds on kelp and benthic ecology to share data and information and identify and strengthen synergies among ongoing research projects. Scientifically, the workshop will facilitate discussions, allowing for comparisons of ecosystems with different drivers, both environmental and anthropogenic, at a large geographic scale. Strategically, the workshop will provide the necessary framework for data and knowledge sharing amongst leading world scientists, strengthening cooperation and promoting future research collaborations. Twenty participants from Norway and abroad (UK, Denmark, UK, Spain, Canada and Australia) will be invited to discuss and share data and knowledge during a 2-day workshop. This workshop will further strengthen existing collaborations and promote new ones, undoubtedly enhancing kelp research and providing an excellent framework from which to move forward our understanding of the role play by kelp export in shaping benthic communities.