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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

Published on: June 7, 2024

Climate-driven shifts in kelp forest composition reduce carbon sequestration potential.

Luka Seamus Wright^1,2, Albert Pessarrodona², Andy Foggo¹

¹Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.

Global Change Biology

|June 13, 2022

Summary

Kelp forests

Keywords:

C:N biogeography carbon budget uncertainty carbon flux climate change decay degradation ecophysiology erosion photophysiology

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Area of Science:

Marine Ecology
Biogeochemistry
Climate Change Biology

Background:

Kelp forests are vital blue carbon sinks, but their carbon sequestration potential (CSP) varies between species.
Climate change is altering kelp forest composition in the Northeast Atlantic, with implications for ecosystem function.
Interspecific differences in kelp carbon export and decomposition remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify interspecific differences in carbon export, decomposition, and detrital photosynthesis among kelp species.
To assess how changes in kelp forest composition may affect ecosystem carbon sequestration potential (CSP).
To investigate the role of detrital biochemistry and photosynthesis in kelp carbon cycling.

Main Methods:

Quantified carbon export and decomposition rates for different kelp species.
Analyzed detrital photosynthesis and biochemical content (stoichiometry, polyphenols).
Assessed tissue toughness and potential biochemical defenses influencing decomposition.

Main Results:

Warm-temperate kelp (Laminaria ochroleuca) exports more carbon but decomposes significantly faster (up to 155%) than cold-temperate species (L. digitata, L. hyperborea).
Faster decomposition in L. ochroleuca overwhelms its detrital photosynthetic capacity within 36 days.
Detrital photosynthesis in cold-temperate kelp persists longer, potentially creating feedback loops influencing decomposition rates.

Conclusions:

Ocean warming and associated shifts towards species like L. ochroleuca may reduce the overall carbon sequestration potential (CSP) of temperate marine forests.
Interspecific variation in decomposition and detrital physiology significantly impacts kelp forest blue carbon dynamics.
Understanding these species-specific traits is crucial for predicting climate change impacts on marine carbon sinks.