The influence of reef structure on the patterns and processes of Ecklonia radiata (C. Agardh) kelp beds of Hamelin Bay, Western Australia

The physical variables of light, water motion, reef slope and water depth were measured on topographically simple and complex reefs.

These physical variables were linked to patterns in the distribution of algae over the two reef types using DISTLM, a multivariate regression model.

Species richness and total biomass is compared between cleared sites and control sites. Also the ability of pre-existing juvenile sporophytes to survive change in conditions associated with removal of their canopy was measured and as well as the relationship between Ecklonia radiata canopy and its associated understorey on reefs on reefs with simple and complex topography.