MEPS

Marine Ecology Progress Series

MEPS is a leading hybrid research journal on all aspects of marine, coastal and estuarine ecology. Priority is given to outstanding research that advances our ecological understanding.

Online: ISSN 1616-1599

Print: ISSN 0171-8630

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps

Volume contents
Mar Ecol Prog Ser 693:95-106 (2022)

Seasonal changes in facilitation between an ascidian and a kelp in Patagonia

ABSTRACT: Positive interactions between species may change in outcome over time and may differ for the two interacting species. We explored the seasonal patterns of facilitation between an ascidian (Styela clava) and a macroalga (Undaria pinnatifida) by following their association for a complete sporophytic phase. In addition, we investigated how the relationship affected the morphometric parameters of U. pinnatifida, and whether the association had a negative outcome for S. clava. We performed monthly surveys in San Antonio Bay (Argentina) for nearly 1 yr to evaluate U. pinnatifida density (both the total and mature individuals exclusively) on different substrates to determine whether U. pinnatifida was more closely associated with S. clava than with inert substrates (i.e. consolidated and nonconsolidated). Moreover, we compared the morphometry of U. pinnatifida between substrates (S. clava vs. rock) and collected S. clava individuals overgrown by U. pinnatifida and classified them by their holdfast coverage to assess their condition (dead or alive). A higher total density of U. pinnatifida was associated with S. clava than with other substrates from autumn to spring. U. pinnatifida individuals growing on S. clava were smaller than those growing on rock. Finally, the probability of S. clava dying increased for individuals with higher holdfast coverage, although the scarcity of dead individuals found suggested a negligible influence. Our findings indicate that whereas U. pinnatifida clearly benefitted from this interaction by appearing earlier in the field and presenting higher densities that could benefit the population when associated with S. clava, for S. clava the relationship appeared more neutral.

KEYWORDS

Andrea Evangelina Arcángel (Corresponding Author)

  • Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos Almirante Storni (CIMAS), Güemes 1030, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina
  • Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Martín 247, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina
andrearcangel.ev@gmail.com

Emiliano Alexis Rodríguez (Co-author)

  • Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos Almirante Storni (CIMAS), Güemes 1030, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina
  • Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Martín 247, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina

Paula de la Barra (Co-author)

  • Department of Marine Ecology, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Landsdiep 4, 1797 SZ ‘t Horntje, Texel, The Netherlands

Patricio Javier Pereyra (Co-author)

  • Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos Almirante Storni (CIMAS), Güemes 1030, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina
  • Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Martín 247, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina

Maite Narvarte (Co-author)

  • Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos Almirante Storni (CIMAS), Güemes 1030, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina
  • Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz 2290, C1425FQB Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Martín 247, 8520 San Antonio Oeste, Argentina