Speaker

Cathy Pfister
University of Chicago

Abstract

Canopy kelp species are known to be foundational species and I will discuss their long-term trends in the Pacific northwest. Additionally, I will outline their significant effects on seawater chemistry, productivity and microbial assemblages. Kelp host a microbiome that also interacts with the coastal carbon and nitrogen cycles. Novel methodologies are allowing us to understand the identity and function of the microbiome and the role of the 'kelp holobiome' in nearshore areas.