Kelp Canopy and Biomass Survey

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Merems, Arlene

Publish Date: 2011

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: cedric.x.cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: Canopy-forming kelp forests in Oregon are comprised primarily of bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), and to a much lesser extent, giant kelp (Macrocystis sp.). Both of these species are very important biologically and ecologically because of their high level of primary production and the habitat and food they provide to the nearshore ecosystem. As stated in former Governor Kitzhaber’s State of the Environment Report (2000), bull kelp and giant kelp can also be used as primary “indicator species” for monitoring the health and status of nearshore rocky reef habitats and biological communities in less than 20 meters depth. The spatial extent and abundance of kelp forests is known to be highly variable both seasonally (due to the solar and weather cycle) and annually for reasons that are not well understood. Fortunately, bull kelp and giant kelp form floating surface canopies that can be surveyed efficiently and effectively in a cost-effective manner using remote-sensing imaging methodologies. The last (and only) state-wide aerial kelp survey was conducted in 1990, which produced kelp canopy imagery, but no estimate of biomass. Biomass surveys were conducted on south coast reefs from 1996 – 2000 but there has never been a state-wide kelp biomass assessment. It has now been 20 years since the last statewide mapping survey and 10 years since the last regional survey, therefore it would be informative to management to know if and how the geographic distribution and abundance of kelp forests has changed over time. The objectives of this study are to map the spatial extent of kelp canopy off Oregon, calculate total kelp biomass and compare kelp extent and biomass to historical data.

Purpose:

Time Period of Content:

Geographic Extent: Oregon

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF

Data Quality Information

Lineage-Source: Oregon State Wildlife Grant Program T-22 N-03 Final Companion Report

Data Information

No data information was supplied.

Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Unknown