Large-scale shift in the structure of a kelp forest ecosystem co-occurs with an epizootic and marine heatwave.

ABSTRACT: Climate change is responsible for increased frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme events, such as marine heatwaves (MHWs). Within eastern boundary current systems, MHWs have profound impacts on temperature-nutrient dynamics that drive primary productivity. Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests, a vital nearshore habitat, experienced unprecedented losses along 350 km of coastline in northern California beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2019. These losses have had devastating consequences to northern California communities, economies, and fisheries. Using a suite of in situ and satellite-derived data, we demonstrate that the abrupt ecosystem shift initiated by a multi-year MHW was preceded by declines in keystone predator population densities. We show strong evidence that

SUBMITTER: McPherson ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7935997 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature