Evaluation of Food Web Structure and Complexity in the Process of Kelp Bed Recovery Using Stable Isotope Analysis

Kelp forests have declined gradually all over the world. Understanding trophic structure of such a productive and diverse ecosystem is crucial for its restoration effective management. Few studies, however, focused on functional recovery kelp in process restoration. This study was conducted eastern coast Korea where bed with removal sea urchins. In addition to quantitative measurement using common community parameters, we investigated how fast stability food web could be established newly restored beds an initially barren condition, stable isotope analysis, comparison nearby natural site. At bed, total algal biomass diversity reached levels within 1 year. While δ 13 C 15 N values macroalgae organic matter were separated isotopically, they similar among sites, excluding at 2019. Most consumers showed isotopic overlapping range producers. However, some herbivores higher as predators/omnivores, particularly barrens, which explained by plasticity depending macroalgal structure. first year, (CR, CD) lower redundancy (MNND, SDNND) non-overlapping >50% CIs sites. this distinctive stage moved toward upon entering second year decreased increased while overlapped at<50% CIs. The speed system (1 perspectives 2 years completion). After removing urchins, recruitment quickly concomitantly consumer groups, boosting bed. not intermediate completion, but transient over-shooting state. might been triggered introduction urchin-free bare rock space, providing interesting finding needed tested other temperate marine systems.