Wave-Induced Kelp Movement and its Importance for Community Structure

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Abstract
During a distributional survey within a kelp forest off the west coast of South Africa qualitative changes in kelp distribution with increasing depth were noted. There was a decreasing proportion of juvenile laminarians with depth, and although the mean laminarian biomass decreased, maximum values per m2 were comparable throughout. This was attributed to a definite trend towards patchiness with depth. In part, this is due to changes in species composition, since Ecklonia maxima declines with depth, until below 8 m only Laminaria pallida remains. Examinations of individual Laminaria patches revealed a consistent form of large central plants with progressively smaller individuals towards the margins. A distinct belt of bare rock separated these kelp patches from patches of herbivorous animals. The barren interfaces between patches was the result of sweeping action by the peripheral plants as these were bent by incoming swells. This sweeping effect provided protection against herbivory and it was a mechanism by which areas suitable for kelp colonization were prepared, allowing existing kelp patches to expand over time.

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