Seasonal growth of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera in New Zealand

Analyses of the growth rates of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera distributed in the shallow site in New Zealand were done to assess the fluctuations in environmental factors relative to seasonal changes. It was found that seasonal growth rates were favored at high latitudes, while maximum growth rates were observed during spring and summer as indicated by increases in carbon reserves. The reserves were then being used to support growth in autumn and winter.