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Development of bryozoan fouling on cultivated kelp (Saccharina latissima) in Norway

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Abstract

Biofouling on cultivated kelp in open sea conditions is a challenge when fouling species such as the encrusting bryozoans Membranipora membranacea and Electra pilosa develop colonies that cover the surface of the kelp lamina. The bryozoan colonies make the flexible lamina brittle and susceptible to breakage and reduce the commercial value of the biomass for both human consumption and industrial applications. The development of the bryozoan fouling on cultivated Saccharina latissima in temperate coastal waters was studied at two locations in Norway from April to September. The time of settling and development of colonies of M. membranacea and E. pilosa were characterized. Sampling of bryozoan larvae abundance at the cultivation locations showed that the bryozoan colonies settled on the cultivated kelp in mid-June at both locations, followed by a rapid colony growth during late June and July. In August and September, the kelp was highly degraded by the bryozoan coverage and highly subjected to breakage of the lamina. Membranipora membranacea was the most prevailing of the two species. Although abundant at all cultivation depths, the results showed a decrease in bryozoan coverage with increasing depth. From a commercial point of view, S. latissima deployed in temperate Norwegian coastal waters in winter should be harvested in early June to avoid the negative impact from bryozoan fouling.

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Acknowledgments

This study was a part of the project EXPLOIT, funded by the Research Council of Norway (project no. 216201/E40). Thanks to the Institute of Marine Research and Seaweed Energy Solutions (SES) for providing environmental data (current speed and directions) at the location in Western Norway and Mid-Norway, respectively. We are grateful to Marine Harvest and SES for kindly providing research facilities and vessels and for all their practical support. We would also thank the reviewers for their constructive and helpful feedback.

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Correspondence to Henny Førde.

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Førde, H., Forbord, S., Handå, A. et al. Development of bryozoan fouling on cultivated kelp (Saccharina latissima) in Norway. J Appl Phycol 28, 1225–1234 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-015-0606-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-015-0606-5

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