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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Enhancing kelp productivity in restoration and assisted adaptation interventions under ocean warming
Scientific reports, Vol.15(1), pp.1-10
05/11/2025
PMID: 41193795
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Abstract
Proactive climate interventions, such as restoration and assisted adaptation, are increasingly being used to secure the persistence of populations under climate change. Such strategies are being proposed globally for declining kelp forests, yet there remains a lack of consideration for potential impacts to other key traits that underpin their immense values. Here we assess the outcome of restoration and assisted adaptation strategies on kelp productivity - a key component of kelp forest blue carbon, habitat provision and ecosystem service values. We combine empirical field data, climate projections and knowledge of underlying genomics to compare kelp productivity across restoration and assisted adaptation scenarios that are, and are not, informed by productivity-temperature relationships within source populations. Using Western Australian kelp (Ecklonia radiata) forests, we show that the productivity of restored kelp using traditional strategies for selecting source material may decline by 16-22% under mid-century ocean warming. However, drawing on knowledge of productivity-temperature relationships to strategically select individuals could enhance the productivity of restored kelp by up to 9% even under mid-century ocean warming, while simultaneously boosting thermal resilience. Optimising trait interactions when undertaking climate interventions will be key to sustaining values associated with restored kelp forests in a warming ocean.
Details
- Title
- Enhancing kelp productivity in restoration and assisted adaptation interventions under ocean warming
- Creators
- Curtis Champion - NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Australia, Coffs Harbour)Thomas Wernberg - The University of Western AustraliaMelinda A Coleman - NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Australia, Coffs Harbour)
- Publication Details
- Scientific reports, Vol.15(1), pp.1-10
- Publisher
- Springer Nature; BERLIN
- Grant note
- We acknowledge funding from the Australian Research Council (FT110100174 to TW and DP200100201, LP220200004, DP240100230 to TW and MAC) and the Norwegian Research Council (GEcoKelp project no. 335371 to TW and MAC).
- Identifiers
- 991013328526302368
- Copyright
- © Crown 2025.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article