Incorporating genomic data to assess the adaptive potential of Australian kelp forests to climate change

In my thesis, I focused on the kelp Ecklonia radiata, whose persistence is jeopardised by ocean warming and extreme events. I used genotyping-by-sequencing to explore adaptive in kelp forests. I showed signs of local adaptation on both warm and cool edges and estimated extensive genomic vulnerability in parts of Tasmania to ocean warming. I then focused on assessing genetic differences between deep and shallow kelps and revealed strong population connectivity. I ultimately validated the link between climate-adaptive genetic variation and phenotypic adaptive response in kelp early life stages using a mesocosm experiment with gametophytes from warm and cold adapted populations.