Variation in biomass and biofouling of kelp, Saccharina latissima, cultivated in the Arctic, Norway

In the present study, the kelp Saccharina latissima was cultivated at three sites in Troms, northern Norway (at 69–70oN). These sites, while close to each other geographically, were characterized by differences in exposure to waves and influence from oceanic water, and arranged in a gradient from semi-offshore through intermediate exposure to a more sheltered fjord with a stronger influence from freshwater run-off. The effect on kelp biomass and biofouling was studied from February to August in 2014. Large variation in biofouling cover was observed between sites. The site with highest exposure had the maximum kelp biomass, but also the highest cover of fouling organisms. The frond area covered by epibionts varied by a factor of 8 with lowest cover at the fjord site, intermediate cover at the inshore site and highest cover at the semi-offshore site. Species composition of the biofouling community also varied between sites, with the dominant taxa being hydroids at the most protected, and bryozoans at the most exposed site. The present study shows that both biomass yield and biofouling can vary profoundly within short geographical ranges and it thereby underlines the importance of thorough site selection for kelp cultivation in order to achieve maximum kelp biomass and minimum biofouling. It also reveals promising opportunities for kelp cultivation at higher latitudes.