Structure and Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Marine Communities Associated with the Kelp Forests at Cape Froward, Strait of Magellan

Giant kelp forests, Macrocystis pyrifera, dominate the coasts of southern Patagonia and are particularly abundant in the coastal ecosystems of Cape Froward, where they play a key role in biodiversity conservation and the provision of multiple ecosystem services, establishing themselves as one of the most resilient kelp forest ecosystems on the planet. This study constitutes one of the first spatiotemporal assessments of the diverse components inhabiting kelp forests in the Strait of Magellan (Cape Froward). In total, 238 taxa belonging to zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, fish, and understory of macroalgae inhabiting the understory were identified in these ecosystems, including species that are key to the coastal communities of the Magellan region. In general terms, the results show that the coastal ecosystems of Cape Froward support highly diverse, dynamic, and complex communities, with characteristics representative of ecological systems of regional and global significance. In this regard, the present study provides a solid scientific basis for promoting conservation measures for these ecosystems at the southern tip of Patagonia.