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Effects of kelp canopy on underwater light climate and viability of brown algal spores in Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen)

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Abstract

Spores represent the most vulnerable life history stage of kelps. While UV-induced inhibition of spore germination has been readily documented, the impact of in situ underwater radiation below kelp canopies has been largely overlooked. We determined spectral composition and intensity of underwater radiation along a density gradient in an Alaria esculenta kelp forest at 3 m depth in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Accordingly, we set up a laboratory experiment simulating five different radiation conditions corresponding to irradiances under very dense to no canopy cover on a cloudless summer day. Spore responses (photosynthetic quantum yield, pigment and phlorotannin contents, swimming activity, and germination success) were determined after 4, 8, 16, and 24 h of exposure. In situ spectral radiation composition differed strongly from conditions applied in previous studies, which underestimated photosynthetically active radiation and overestimated UV-radiation effects. Furthermore, spore solutions differed significantly in quantum yield, pigment, and phlorotannin contents upon release. Nevertheless, spores reacted dynamically to different radiation conditions and exposure times. Highest radiation (PAR 61.8 W m−2, 1.9 W m−2 UVA, 0.01 W m−2 UVB) caused photodamage after exposure for ≥ 8 h, while intermediate radiation led to photoinhibition. Lowest radiation (PAR 0.23 W m−2, 0 W m−2 UVA, 0 W m−2 UVB) caused inconsistent reactions. There was a reduction of absolute pigment content in all treatments, but reduction rates of photosynthetic pigments were significantly different between radiation treatments. Soluble phlorotannin content decreased under all conditions but was not significantly affected by experimental conditions. High radiation reduced swimming activity of spores, but experimental conditions had almost no effect on germination success. Consequently, it seems unlikely that in situ radiation conditions negatively affect spores in present and future radiation scenarios.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Angela Wendt, Britta Meyer-Schlosser, Max Schwanitz and the diving team at Ny-Ålesund and the AWIPEV staff without whom practical realization would not have been possible. Furthermore, we thank three anonymous reviewers for valuable comments and criticism on the manuscript. This project was part of the KOL06 research frame on biology of Arctic benthic macroalgae.

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  1. Marine Botany, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße NW2, 28359, Bremen, Germany

    Philipp Laeseke & Kai Bischof

  2. Section Functional Ecology - Rocky Shore Ecology, Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz-Centre for Polar- and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Inka Bartsch

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Laeseke, P., Bartsch, I. & Bischof, K. Effects of kelp canopy on underwater light climate and viability of brown algal spores in Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen). Polar Biol 42, 1511–1527 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-019-02537-w

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