Production of the giant kelp, Macrocystis, estimated by in situ incorporation of 14C in polyethylene bags1

Authors:
  • DTDavid W. Towle
    David W. Towle
  • JPJohn S. Pearse
    John S. Pearse
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Abstract
Incorporation of 14C by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera was measured in situ by enclosing individual blades within polyethylene bags in a kelp bed. Incorporation was highest in the tips of the blades in the canopy, about 0.315 mg C g−1 hr−1 on the basis of wet weight. In the densest part of the kelp bed, total wet standing crop of Macrocystis was about 5.9 kg m−2, and production of Macrocystis blades in that area was estimated to be at least 6.8 g C m−2 day−1, or about 17 g organic matter m−2 day−1.