Summer heatwave impacts on the European kelp Saccharina latissima across its latitudinal distribution gradient


Contact
ndiehl [ at ] uni-bremen.de

Abstract

Kelps are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems currently experiencing pronounced shifts in their distribution patterns caused by ocean warming. While some populations found at species’ warm distribution edges have been recently observed to decline, expansions of some species have been recorded at their cold distribution edges. Reduced population resilience can contribute to kelp habitat loss, hence, understanding intraspecific variations in physiological responses across a species’ latitudinal distribution is crucial for its conservation. To investigate potential local responses of the broadly distributed kelp Saccharina latissima to marine heatwaves in summer, we collected sporophytes from five locations in Europe (Spitsbergen, Bodø, Bergen, Helgoland, Locmariaquer), including populations exposed to the coldest and warmest local temperature regimes. Meristematic tissue from sporophytes was subjected to increasing temperatures of 1C2, 1C4 and 1C6�C above the respective mean summer temperatures (control, 1�0�C) characteristic for each site. Survival and corresponding physiological and biochemical traits were analyzed. Vitality (optimum quantum yield, Fv/Fm) and growth were monitored over time and biochemical responses were measured at the end of the experiment. Growth was highest in northern and lowest in southern populations. Overall, northern populations from Spitsbergen, Bodø and Bergen were largely unaffected by increasing summer temperatures up to 1C6�C. Conversely, sporophytes from Helgoland and Locmariaquer were markedly stressed at 1C6�C: occurrence of tissue necrosis, reduced Fv/Fm, and a significantly elevated de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle (DPS). The variations in phlorotannins, mannitol and tissue C and N contents were independent of temperature treatments and latitudinal distribution pattern. Pronounced site-specific variability in response to increasing temperatures implies that exceeding a threshold above the mean summer temperature exclusively affect rear-edge (southernmost) populations.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Helmholtz Cross Cutting Activity (2021-2027)
N/A
Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
55079
DOI 10.3389/fmars.2021.695821

Cite as
Diehl, N. , Roleda, M. Y. , Bartsch, I. , Karsten, U. and Bischof, K. (2021): Summer heatwave impacts on the European kelp Saccharina latissima across its latitudinal distribution gradient , Frontiers in Marine science, 8 , p. 695821 . doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.695821


Download
[thumbnail of Diehl_etal_2021_fmars.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Diehl_etal_2021_fmars.pdf

Download (1MB) | Preview

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Geographical region

Research Platforms

Campaigns
N/A


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item