U.S.-Chile: Planning Visit to Incorporate Chilean Kelp Forests into Study of Kelp Life History Evolution

San Jose State University Foundation, San Jose CA

Investigators

Abstract

0407937 Graham, Michael H. This Americas Program award will provide support for a planning visit by Dr. Michael H. Graham, San Jose State University, to work with Dr. Alejandro H. Buschmann at Universidad de Los Lagos in Puerto Montt, Chile. The PI has initiated a long-term research program to investigate the effects of kelp diversity on kelp forest ecosystem function. This planning visit will help the PI to determine the efficacy of including Chilean kelp populations into the research program. The addition of Chilean populations and endemic kelp species will broaden both the geographic and taxonomic breadth of the long-term research, enhancing the potential success and impact of the results. In addition to the importance of studying this ecosystem, this project will involve training of graduate students from both countries, strengthening the abilities of these young researchers to conduct both basic and applied research.