Global threats to kelp forests from heatwaves, herbivores and diseases

该项目旨在了解气候导致的海藻数量减少背后的机制。海洋变暖导致全球和澳大利亚两侧宝贵的温带海藻森林崩溃，但尚不清楚这是由于温度的直接生理影响还是物种相互作用变化的间接影响。该项目将比较海洋热浪的直接影响与热带食草动物和病原体对大南礁海藻森林的间接影响，大南礁是澳大利亚最大的沿海生态系统之一。该项目将产生支持这些关键生态系统适应战略的知识，并可提高应对这些自然资产退化的能力。

This project aims to understand the mechanisms behind climate-mediated declines in kelp. Ocean warming causes the collapse of valuable temperate kelp forests globally and on both sides of Australia, but it is unknown if this is because of direct physiological effects from temperature or the indirect effects of changes in species interactions. This project will compare the direct effects of marine heatwaves to the indirect effects of range-shifting tropical herbivores and pathogens for the kelp forests of the Great Southern Reef, one of Australia’s largest coastal ecosystems. This project will generate knowledge underpinning adaptation strategies for these critical ecosystems, and could enhance the capacity to respond to degradation of these natural assets.