Magnification of secondary production by kelp detritus in coastal marine ecosystems
Duggins DO, Simenstad CA, Estes JA. 1989. Magnification of secondary production by kelp detritus in coastal marine ecosystems. Science. 245(4914):170-173
Kelps are highly productive seaweeds found along most temperate latitude coastlines, but the fate and importance of kelp production to nearshore ecosystems are largely unknown. The trophic role of kelp-derived carbon in a wide range of marine organisms was assessed by a natural experiment. Growth rates of benthic suspension feeders were greatly increased in the presence of organis detritus (particulate and dissolved) originating from large benthic seaweeds (kelps). Stable carbon isotope analysis confirmed that kep-derived carbon is found throughout the nearshore food web.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Duggins, D; Simenstad, C; Estes, J
- Units
- GLBA , SEAN
- Keywords
- Algae, Community Ecology, Invertebrate, Kelp, Nearshore, Secondary production