Shorezone work on giant kelp beds found around Afognak Island
Research project description:
Coastal Mapping surveys conducted using ShoreZone protocols in the western Gulf of Alaska have included both aerial and vessel-based surveys to map biophysical nearshore habitat and to provide species lists associated with mapped biological habitat. In 2004, during aerial surveys in the northern Kodiak Island archipelago, a bed of the kelp, Macrocysis integrifolia, was documented on the west side of Afognak Island, just north of the mouth of Foul Bay. Subsequent vessel-based ShoreZone surveys in the area in May 2005 confirmed the identification of this kelp and voucher samples were collected. Aerial surveys during that same summer, in June 2005, documented a second M. integrifolia bed in Kiliuda Bay, north of Old Harbor on Kodiak Island. This species is a range extension that was transplanted in the 1980’s for the kelp on roe fishery, but has not been seen since 1989. This project produced GIS maps, kelp densities, and kelp bed species associations for a series of beds of, M. integrifolia, a canopy kelp recently documented near Foul Bay on Afognak Island. Specifically, this five-day survey, from 19-24 August 2006, mapped the extent of kelp beds outside of Foul Bay, mapped the geographical range of individual kelp plants north and south of the kelp bed areas, evaluated densities of plants within the beds, documented associated invertebrate and algal species, and collected plant tissue for DNA analyses. An additional assessments was made in nearby “no-Macrocystis” areas (control) and Nerocystus beds north of the sampling area.
Role in research :
Over a six day research project, worked as part of a five member dive team performing invertebrate/ algae taxonomy, algae characterization and stipe counts, fish counts, voucher sampling, and percent cover analysis.
Sea Grant tenants addressed:
Research