Intertidal ecology of a western ocean boundary system: advancing seascape science

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My research program will investigate intertidal seascape ecology for a western ocean boundary system located in Atlantic Canada. The objectives are: (1) to determine the latitudinal and interannual patterns of variation in rocky intertidal communities, (2) to investigate abiotic and biotic factors underlying such patterns, and (3) to evaluate the functional consequences. I propose to use the open Atlantic coast of mainland Nova Scotia as a model system. This coast runs for more than 400 km from north to south and exhibits a complex oceanographic and biogeographic structure that makes it ideal for my research goals. This work will be accomplished through the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. In consecutive years, we will determine the summer abundance of all macroscopic species of algae and invertebrates at two elevation zones (high and low) at various locations spanning this coast. Multivariate analyses will unravel alongshore biogeographic patterns. By comparing alongshore pattern between both elevations, we will test a biogeographic hypothesis developed to improve biogeographic predictions. We will also measure the recruitment of the dominant sessile invertebrates to test hypotheses on the influence of coastal upwelling and surf zone width. Using in-situ data loggers and satellite data, we will also determine the latitudinal and interannual variation of sea surface temperature, air temperature during low tides, drift sea ice in spring, and pelagic food supply (phytoplankton and particulate organic carbon). We will also conduct manipulative field experiments to determine the alongshore variation in competition, facilitation, herbivory, and predation involving canopy-forming seaweeds, grazing snails, barnacles, mussels, and benthic predators. We will examine the relative importance of these abiotic and biotic factors to statistically explain the observed community patterns. Finally, we will address the functional consequences. Functional traits are species properties that predict ecological function, so we will document latitudinal and interannual changes in functional trait diversity and investigate possible drivers. This research program fits the goals of United Nations' Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030). Moreover, most research on intertidal seascape science has been conducted for eastern ocean boundary systems, so my research on a western ocean boundary system will make seascape theory more predictive. In particular for Canada's interests, by identifying the variables needed to best predict intertidal biogeography along Nova Scotia's coast, we will better know what variables should be monitored to predict future biotic responses to climate and oceanographic change. In addition, the generated species database could be invaluable to assess ecological change decades into the future. Overall, my research program should help Canadians to preserve this unique biodiversity and the ecological functions these organisms sustain.