SBC LTER: Reef: Long-term experiment: Kelp removal: Understory kelp allometrics

These data consist of morphometric measurements of the understory kelps Pterygophora californica and Laminaria farlowii used to estimate their mass within permanent plots of a long-term experiment designed to examine trajectories of change in the structure and productivity of kelp forest communities in response to changes in the frequency and severity of disturbance to giant kelp. The mass of individual P. californica is estimated from the number of blades having a length > 30 cm, whereas the mass of L. farlowii is estimated from the length of its single blade. Measurements are recorded for up to 30 individuals of each species within the 40 m x 2 m sampling area of each plot. These data are combined with allometric relationships established in the laboratory to provide non-destructive, in situ estimates of the dry mass per unit area of bottom for each species.