Winter Marine Heatwaves on macroinvertebrates associated with kelp

Cristina Gutierrez Marín¹, Pippa Moore1¹

¹Newcastle University, UK

Kelp forests are among the most productive and ecologically diverse habitats on the planet, yet they are increasingly threatened by extreme climate stressors. In recent years, Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) have become more frequent and intense with significant impacts on marine ecosystems. While MHWs predominantly occur during the summer, previous studies have reported winter MHWS. High sea surface temperatures above the normal ranges during the winter may cause negative consequences in the development of organisms. However, there is limited research available on the effects of winter MHWs on marine communities. Based on a mesocosm design, this study will conduct a series of experiments to evaluate the change in diversity and physiology of the macroinvertebrate community associated with kelp holdfast under winter MHW conditions. The experimental approach allows the measurement of a wide range of variables at different levels. Species diversity will be assessed through richness, abundance and survival rate, whereas physiological performance will be evaluated by growth (length of the body) and metabolic rate (oxygen consumption). Changes at ecological and physiological levels might have potential implications on the structure of the marine community. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the impacts of winter MHWs on marine ecosystems and their physiological traits.