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Phone:(808) 956-8369
Email:botany@hawaii.edu
Fax:(808) 956-3923

Botany Department
University of Hawai`i at Manoa
3190 Maile Way, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96822

Dept. Chair:
Dr. Tom Ranker
Graduate Program Chair:
Dr. Kim Bridges
Home > People > Graduate Students > Heather Spalding

Heather Spalding

  Ph.D Student

Marine Botany Track
Mentor: Dr. Celia Smith
Incoming Class of 2002

CV

Contact Information
Fax: (808) 956-3923
Email: hspaldin@hawaii.edu

University of Hawai`i at Manoa
3190 Maile Way, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96822

Affiliations
Botany, EECB

Links to Research Web Pages:

Dissertation Title:
The Ecology and Physiology of Deepwater Algae and Halimeda meadows in Hawaii


Personal Statement:
Knowledge of the species composition and depth distribution of deep-water macroalgal assemblages in the Main Hawaiian Islands is necessary for understanding ecosystem-wide energy flow via coupling of primary and secondary productivity, algal biodiversity, carbonate sand production, biogeography, and invasive non-indigenous algae. However, these algal stands remain essentially unexplored. My dissertation will examine spatial and temporal patterns of deep-water (30 to 200 m) macroalgal abundance and ecophysiology around Oahu and the Maui Nui Island complex (Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and Kahoolawe) using a combination of technical diving, submersibles, and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Questions include:

  • What is the spatial and temporal (seasonal and annual) variability in macroalgal composition and abundance among sites with similar substrate?


  • Are deep-water macroalgal communities taxonomically distinct from shallow water communities, or composed of shallow water species with a few distinct deep-water species (Agegian and Abbott 1985)?


  • What is the biogeographic affinity of deep-water macroalgal assemblages in the MHI, and how does this compare with the NWHI?


  • How extensively have deep-water, soft-bottom habitats been invaded by non-indigenous species, such as Avrainvillea amadelpha?


  • Are areas of high algal abundance influenced by anthropogenic nutrients (as reflected by the δ15N isotopic signatures)?


  • Can the measured physiological parameters be used to interpret patterns of abundance in deepwater algae?


  • What is the variability in nutrient status of deepwater algal assemblages across a depth gradient and between sites?
An important constituent of deep water macroalgal assemblages over soft sediments in Hawaii is Halimeda kanalaona. H. kanaloana is a calcified green alga forming dense meadows from 10 to 100 m depths around the Maui Nui island complex. My dissertation will also focus on Halimeda kanaloana demography, ecology, and physiology among multiple depths and between different locations. These studies will result in a H. kanaloana carbonate sediment budget in Hawaii, as well as an understanding of its ability to absorb nutrients from soft sediments, respond to disturbance, and provide habitat for other organisms.


Awards:

  • 2004 Best Student Presentation, Tester Memorial Symposium, University of Hawaii at Manoa


  • 2002 Outstanding TA in the Biological Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa


  • 2000 Best Student Presentation, Western Society of Naturalists Meeting

Publications:

  • Verbruggen H., De Clerck O., N'Yeurt A.D.R., Spalding H. & Vroom P.S. (2006) Phylogeny and taxonomy of Halimeda incrassata, including the description of H. kanaloana and H. heteromorpha spp. nov. (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta). European Journal of Phycology 41: 337-362.


  • Webster, J. M., Clague, D.A., Braga, J.C., Spalding, H., Renema, W., Kelley, C., Applegate, B., Smith, J., Paull, C.K., Moore, J.G., Potts, D. (2006) Drowned coralline algal dominated deposits off Lana'i, Hawaii: carbon accretion and vertical tectonics over the last 30 ka. Marine Geology 225: 223-246.


  • Spalding, H., Foster, M.S., and Heine, J. (2003) Composition, distribution, and abundance of deepwater (> 30 m) macroalgae in central California. Journal of Phycology 39: 273-284.
   
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