Capitulo de libro
SEA URCHIN (LOXECHINUS ALBUS) AND KELP (MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA) IN PROTECTED AREAS IN SOUTHERN CHILE
Fecha
2004Registro en:
1-932078-32-0
1010706
Institución
Resumen
The role of sea urchins in controlling Macrocystis pyrifera abundance has long been stressed, although evidence from Chile is contradictory. Macrocystis pyrifera found in the northernmost part of the archipelago region in southern Chile show and annual life cycle, with recruitment of a new sporophytic cohort from June to August. In this area, a sea urchin (Loxechinus albus) density above 20 individuals per square meter reduced density of Macrocystis significantly (p<0.05) from 24 to 2 plants per square meter. This situation persisted over two years mainly caused by strong predation on kelp recruits. Thus, we can conclude that the sea urchin-Macrocystis interaction is of great importance to explain kelp abundance in spite of information that indicates the contrary.