The ecology of rocky subtidal ecosystems of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Marine coastal ecosystems are impacted by accelerating rates of species introductions, degradation of resources, pollution, and losses of habitats. Such forces, largely caused by human activity, alter the abundance of marine organisms and their interactions with the environment which makes it increasingly difficult to understand, manage, and predict changes in the structure and function of these ecologically and economically important ecosystems. This is true of the extensive shallow rocky subtidal ecosystems of Newfoundland and Labrador for which dynamics are poorly understood, yet presumably regulated by high physical harshness and altered by recent species introductions. My overall objective is to identify biotic and abiotic interactions that regulate the structure and function of these unique ecosystems. In particular, I will investigate how changes in environmental factors such as wave action, water temperature, and light affect the survival, behavior, and interactions (predation, competition, and facilitation) between dominant invertebrates, seaweeds, and fish (both native and invasive), and how these regulate population, community, and ecosystem patterns. My approach will combine laboratory and field experiments with organisms, as well as field surveys of populations and communities from below (scuba diving) and above (remote sensing) the sea surface. I have shown the utility of advanced remote sensing and GIS to map eastern Canada's shallow benthic species over large tracts of seabed. I will conduct further research to increase the accuracy and spatial scope of these methodologies to study subtidal ecosystems at broader spatial and temporal scales than is currently possible. The proposed research program will provide one of the first and most detailed studies of the causes and consequences of benthic patterns and processes in NL's subtidal rocky ecosystems, while increasing our global knowledge of subarctic marine ecosystems. By establishing procedures for broad scale ecology of subtidal benthos, I will also provide scientists and managers with the capacity to acquire novel ecological data that aid in understanding marine ecosystem functioning and conserving native biodiversity.