Ms Erin Campbell-Hooper1
1National Centre for Coasts and Climate, University Of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Kelp forests are in dire need of restoration, with significant declines being experienced worldwide. One critical consideration in kelp restoration is the density of the kelp that is to be planted, as cost optimisation is a priority. However, little is known about the importance of kelp density to fish, who rely on kelp for food and shelter, and are essential to a functioning marine ecosystem. To investigate this, I attached kelp at densities of up to ten kelp/m2 to artificial reefs at two locations in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia, and surveyed fish communities before and after kelp attachment. Overall abundance and species richness were not significantly affected by kelp presence or kelp density. Shannon diversity index did not vary with kelp presence/absence; however, its relationship with kelp density varied by site. Fish community responses also varied by location, with significant assemblage changes at only one site. Three macroalgae-associated species and two rocky reef-associated species drove this difference. However, of these species, only one had a significant relationship with kelp presence or density. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the ecological context of a potential kelp restoration site before attempting to restore it. In Port Phillip Bay, kelp restoration projects will likely need to be large-scale, high density, and located adjacent to the remnant kelp-dominated reefs to be successful in improving habitat for kelp-associated fish.
Presentation Slides – Erin Campbell-Hooper
Biography:
Erin is a recent Master of Science graduate and soon-to-be PhD student at the University of Melbourne. She has a particular fondness for reef fish ecology and evolution.
