SBC LTER: Reef: Long-term experiment: Kelp removal: Taxon-specific seasonal net primary production (NPP) for macroalgae

This dataset provides estimates of seasonal net primary production (NPP) for all taxa of macroalgae sampled in fixed plots at SBC LTER's long-term kelp removal experiment sites. NPP of understory taxa are calculated using field measurements of irradiance and biomass (derived from abundance) and laboratory estimates of taxon-specific photosynthetic parameters. NPP for the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, is calculated using linear relationships between frond density in a given season and average NPP for that season. Importantly, estimates for understory species include production lost as dissolved exudates while estimates of NPP for giant kelp do not. The kelp removal experiment was initiated in 2008 at four reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel. The following three giant kelp manipulations are maintained in sampling plots at each site: Control: Macrocystis pyrifera is left intact in a 2000 m 2 plot. Annual removal: Macrocystis pyrifera is removed from an adjacent 2000 m 2 plot once each winter and allowed to re-colonize over the course of the year. Continuous removal: Macrocystis pyrifera is removed from a 200 m 2 area within the 2000 m 2 plot on each sampling date.