Abstract
Re-establishment process of Ecklonia kurome stand on denuded
natural rocky substrata was observed for 4 years off Kata-Shima, western
Seto Inland Sea. In the natural E. kurome stand at two sites
of Kata-Shima (Tokkuri-bana and Hagi-bana), all macroalgae except for
crustose algae within two 1×1 m permanent quadrats in each site were removed
in November 2012. In February 2013, recruits of E. kurome
(the 2013 year class) were observed at densities of 50-96 inds. m-2
in the quadrats. The 2013 year class grew to adult and formed dominant
canopies in 2014. In November 2014, 2 years after the denuding, mean
densities (15-18 inds. m-2)and stipe length of the 2013 year
class reached a similar level of the ambient natural stand except those in
one quadrat in which the density (50 inds. m-2) was
higher and mean stipe length was larger than those in other quadrats. This
difference of survival and growth indicated that some environmental
conditions could vary even between the quadrats in close proximity and
affect the development of local stands. After 4 years from the denuding,
approximately 10 ％ individuals of the 2013 year class remained at Hagi-bana.
This result indicates the maximum lifespan of E. kurome in
this area might be at least 5 years.
