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Influence of canopy-forming algae on temperate sponge assemblages

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 January 2015

César A. Cárdenas ,
Simon K. Davy  and
James J. Bell
César A. Cárdenas*
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas 6200965, Chile
Simon K. Davy
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
James J. Bell
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
*
Correspondence should be addressed to:C.A. Cárdenas, Departamento Científico, Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas 6200965, Chile email: ccardenas@inach.cl
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Abstract

Experimental removals of the dominant canopy-forming kelp Ecklonia radiata were conducted at two sites on rocky walls in New Zealand and monitored for approximately 1.5 years. We hypothesized that the removal of the E. radiata canopy would affect the structure of subcanopy assemblages, such that there would be a reduction in sponge species richness and abundance. Furthermore, we investigated the biological and physical (predictor) variables that best explained variability in sponge assemblages after canopy removal. Canopy removal led to a community dominated by turf algae, which corresponded with a decrease in sponge abundance and richness. Our results suggest that the Ecklonia canopy may positively influence the presence of sponge species such as Crella incrustans; we propose that the canopy may allow its coexistence with turf algae underneath the canopy by altering the light regime and other environmental factors, which may be detrimental for some species. Our results highlight how any loss of canopy-forming species might have negative effects on sponge assemblages, which could affect the energy flow and the overall biodiversity found in these habitats.

Keywords

spongesCrella incrustansEcklonia radiatamacroalgaecanopy-algaefacilitationcompetitionrocky walls
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 96 , Issue 2: Proceedings of the 9th World Sponge Conference held in Fremantle Australia in 2013: New Frontiers in Sponge Science , March 2016 , pp. 351 - 362
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2015 

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