Jakop Schwoerbel1, Wouter Visch1, Jeffrey Wright1, Alecia Bellgove2, J. Craig Sanderson3, Catriona Macleod1, Catriona L. Hurd1
1Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania, 7004, Australia
2 Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Warrnambool Campus, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280, Australia
3TASSAL GROUP LIMITED., G.P.O. Box 1645, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
Ecklonia radiata is a kelp species of interest to Australian aquaculture development and while the sporophyte phase has been extensively studied comparatively less is known about the microscopic gametophyte phase, especially regarding interactive effects between temperature light and nutrients. We will produce thermal response curves for gametophyte size (growth) and sporophyte production of Ecklonia radiata under two irradiances (60, 120 μmol photons m-2 s-1) and two nutrient (Ambient: 3 μmol L-1 NO3–; F/2: 882 μmol L-1 NO3–) concentrations over a temperature range from 4-30 °C. The data is currently being analysed and the results will provide details on synergistic effects between these factors such as shifts in thermal range and optimum under nutrient depleted conditions. This knowledge will further the optimisation of lab culture for E. radiata both for aquaculture and restoration purposes.