Saccharina latissima kelp loss model in Skagerrak

The loss of Saccharina latissima kelp is modelled for the Skagerrak coast of Norway (Bekkby and Moy 2011). The model was carried out in the projection UTM zone 33N. The model shows the probability of sugar kelp loss. The model was developed based on 107 data points of absences and presences collected by NIVA. GAM analysis was carried out (presence being kelp loss, i.e. stations at which kelp is confirmed to be lost). The model was run in 2010 by NIVA. The kelp loss model is based on wave exposure and light exposure index (Bekkby and Moy 2010). The light exposure model had a spatial (horizontal) distribution of 12.5 m, the wave exposure model was resampled from 25 m resolution. The output model has a spatial (horizontal) distribution of 12.5 m. The work was part of the Coastal Monitoring Program, funded by the Norwegian Environment Agency.