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Effect of solar ultra-violet radiation on the kelp Ecklonia radiata

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Abstract

During spring and summer, 1982–1986, experiments were carried out near Marmion Reef, Western Australia. In summer, nearly 30% of the surface solar ultraviolet radiation (280 to 400 nm) penetrates offshore waters to 5 m depth. Experimental removal of the mature Ecklonia radiata kelp canopy in summer results in tissue damage, photopigment destruction, reduced growth, and low survivorship of subcanopy kelp sporophytes. These effects do not occur with canopy removal in winter. Laboratory experiments revealed that the UV component of radiation, rather than intense photosynthetically active radiation, was responsible for the inhibition of growth and photodamage. UV radiation probably affects survival of the settlement stages of E. radiata sporophytes, thus excluding them from otherwise suitable substrata in shallow waters. UV radiation is implicated in the reduction of canopy productivity in summer.

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Author notes

  1. W. F. Wood

    Present address: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Western Australia, 6009, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia

    W. F. Wood

  2. Centre of Water Research, University of Western Australia, 6009, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia

    W. F. Wood

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  1. W. F. Wood
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Communicated by G. F. Humphrey, Sydney

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Wood, W.F. Effect of solar ultra-violet radiation on the kelp Ecklonia radiata . Marine Biology 96, 143–150 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394848

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