Drivers of spatiotemporal variability in a marine foundation species.

ABSTRACT: Marine foundation species are critical for the structure and functioning of ecosystems and constitute the pillar of trophic chains while also providing a variety of ecosystem services. In recent decades, many foundation species have declined in abundance, sometimes threatening their current geographical distribution. Kelps (Laminariales) are the primary foundation species in temperate coastal systems worldwide. Kelp ecosystems are notoriously variable, challenging the identification of key factors controlling their dynamics. Identification of these drivers is key to predicting the fate of kelp ecosystems under climatic change and to informing management and conservation decisions such as restoration. Here, we used in situ data from long-term monitoring programs across 1350 km of coast span

SUBMITTER: Giraldo-Ospina A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11831097 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature