Non-trophic interactions amplify kelp harvest-induced biomass oscillations and biomass changes in a kelp forest ecological network model

Kelp forests are important marine ecosystems providing habitat for numerous species. Despite over 50 years of mechanical harvesting in the Northeast Atlantic, the indirect impacts of kelp harvesting and associated habitat loss on faunal species within kelp forests remain poorly understood. We investigated the consequences of kelp harvesting by developing an allometric trophic network model for a subtidal Northeast Atlantic kelp forest (dominated by Laminaria hyperborea). Additionally, we designed a novel mechanistic model to explore the non-trophic interactions between kelp and age class 0 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and kelp and European lobster (Homarus gammarus), specifically focusing on the increased survival benefits provided by the kelp habitat. Simulations were conducted over a 50-year period, incorporating harvesting cycles of 2, 5, and 9 years, as well as low and high harvesting intensities. Our findings reveal the complex dynamics resulting from kelp harvesting. The recovery o...海藻林是重要的海洋生态系统，可为众多物种提供栖息生境。尽管东北大西洋海域的海藻机械收割作业已开展超50年，但学界对海藻林收割及其伴随的生境丧失，对海藻林内动物类群造成的间接影响仍知之甚少。 本研究针对东北大西洋潮下带以掌状海带（Laminaria hyperborea）为优势种的海藻林，构建异速营养网络模型（allometric trophic network model），以探究海藻林收割的生态后果。此外，本研究还设计了全新的机制模型，用以探索海藻与0龄大西洋鳕鱼（Gadus morhua）、海藻与欧洲龙虾（Homarus gammarus）之间的非营养相互作用，重点关注海藻生境所提供的生存增益效应。 本研究开展了为期50年的模拟实验，纳入2年、5年、9年三种收割周期，同时设置低、高两种收割强度梯度。研究结果揭示了海藻林收割所引发的复杂生态动态。其恢复过程……