Exposure as a factor for primary and secundary production in a kelp forest

Project summary It is a well established fact that kelp forest are highly productive areas, with an annual production about 10 times of what might be found in phytoplankton dominated waters. Resent research have also shown that kelp is an important carbon source for many animals in these areas. However, few animals graze directly on the kelp plants which means that carbon from kelp mainly enters food webs through POM (Particulate Organic Matter) or DOM (Dissolved Organic Matter). This project focuses on e xposure as a physical factor in regulating primary and secondary production in a kelp forest on the Norwegian west coast. It will look closer into different functional groups and compare food webs at three different degrees of exposure. Will there be a hi gher production of POM in exposed areas, and will the bacterial activity be higher in POM rich areas? Will there be more filter feeders in POM rich areas? The project will also examine the role of phenols in Laminaria hyperborea to see whether the content of phenolic compounds vary with different exposure. These substances are important grazer deterrents and may play a crucial role in preventing bacterial growth in high energy sits where wounds and scars caused by the heavy swells may be more common. Incr eased knowledge of the kelp forest as an ecological system is important for a correct management of this important coastal system.