Spatial datasets for Victorian kelp dynamics

Aim: Kelp forests throughout temperate regions of the world serve as foundation species that play a critical role in sustaining the health and function of marine ecosystems but are experiencing declines in abundance due to loss in resilience as the ocean climate changes. Ocean warming along southeast Australia has already been linked to dramatic losses of kelp species and is contributing to the range expansion and population increases of two species of sea urchin. The purpose of this research is to understand the impact of multiple stressors on the decline in kelps in this region.
Location: Coastal waters off Victoria, Australia
Methods: In this study, we use long-term (> 20 years) datasets on biological observations across Victorian waters to determine trends in coverage and the impact of multiple environmental variables (temperature, habitat, currents, waves, connectivity, urchin abundances) on two important kelps that serve as foundation species (Phyllospora comosa and Ecklonia ra...