Impact of kelp cultivation on the Ecological Status of benthic habitats and Zostera marina seagrass biomass

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Abstract: 

The Ecological Status of subtidal benthic communities within a commercial kelp farm on the southwest coast of Ireland was not impacted by macroalgal cultivation. Additionally, there was no effect on the biomass of Zostera marina, a key habitat under the EU Habitats Directive and OSPAR Commission. However, sediment grain size and total organic matter (TOM) were influenced by abiotic and biotic aspects of the farm. A temporal effect on univariate and multivariate species data, Infaunal Quality Index (IQI) and Z. marina biomass was observed. This effect was likely a community response to high storm disturbance in winter 2013/14. 

The use of IQI to assess the impact of macroalgal cultivation on benthic communities is a novel approach. This study supports a view that environmental impacts of macroalgal cultivation are relatively benign compared to other forms of aquaculture. Further research must be conducted to understand all interactions between aqua- culture activities and the environment. 

Author(s): 
A.M. Walls
R. Kennedy
M.D. Edwards
M.P. Johnson
Keywords: 
Kelp cultivation
 

Ecological impact

Macrobenthic community composition
Ecological
Status assessment
Infaunal
Quality Index (IQI)

Zoster marina biomass
Link / Ref: 
Pubmed
Attachment: 
PDF icon Effects of kelp on benthicand seagrass communities.pdf
Article Source: 
Marine Pollution Bulletin 123 (2017) 19–27
Category: 
Basic Biology
Ecological Services
Uses of Seaweeds: Miscellaneous