Lavoie C, Howland KL, Filbee-Dexter K, Massicotte P, Goldsmit J, McKindsey CW, Archambault P

Living under Arctic kelp forests: linking soft-bottom communities to kelp cover in the Canadian Arctic

As kelp forests’ extent and productivity are expected to change significantly in the Canadian Arctic due to global warming, this study aimed to explore their role in supporting coastal biodiversity. Findings indicate that widespread soft bottoms in subtidal coastal areas host high densities of the kelp Saccharina latissima, alongside Laminaria solidungula and Alaria esculenta. These kelps enhance invertebrate diversity in the sediment below, increasing densities in specific groups and promoting subsurface deposit feeding. Interregional comparisons indicated that high turbidity conditions typically lead to low macroalgal cover and invertebrate richness, whereas extensive sea ice cover can favor high macroalgal abundance and unique, diverse communities. Intermediate open-water durations and high water clarity promote tall kelp forests, hosting approximately 70% of local rare taxa.

Abstract   Back to contents page   Link to full PDF