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Warming has stronger direct than indirect effects on benthic microalgae in a seaweed system in spring
Franziska Julie Werner1, Birte Matthiessen1
1GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Experimental Ecology and Food Webs, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
Marine Biology
|March 21, 2017
Summary
Seawater warming positively impacts Baltic Sea microalgae and grazers in spring. Direct warming effects on microalgae outweigh indirect grazing effects during this season.
Area of Science:
- Marine ecology
- Climate change biology
- Benthic-pelagic coupling
Background:
- Seawater warming is a significant climate change impact.
- The Baltic Sea Fucus vesiculosus ecosystem exhibits seasonal variability.
- Understanding direct vs. indirect effects of warming is crucial for ecosystem management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relative importance of direct and indirect effects of seawater warming on benthic microalgae.
- To assess the impact of warming on microalgal biomass and growth rates.
- To determine the influence of warming on mesograzer populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized outdoor mesocosms to simulate Baltic Sea conditions.
- Monitored microalgal biomass accrual and growth rates.
- Quantified mesograzer abundance and biomass.
Main Results:
- Seawater warming showed a positive main effect on microalgal biomass and growth.
- Warming also increased total mesograzer abundance and biomass.
- Direct positive effects of warming on microalgae were stronger than indirect negative effects via grazing in spring.
Conclusions:
- In spring, direct warming effects on microalgae dominate over indirect grazing effects in the Fucus vesiculosus system.
- Seasonal variations in trophic state influence the balance between direct and indirect pathways of warming.
- Results highlight the complexity of climate change impacts on temperate marine ecosystems.
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