FIGURE 3.

Habitat quality mediated the effect of canopy disturbance on the annual net primary productivity (NPP) dynamics of giant kelp. Annual and quarterly disturbances to canopy‐forming giant kelp decreased giant kelp NPP over time relative to control plots. The rates of these declines were similar irrespective of habitat quality, but overall reductions in giant kelp NPP were greater where habitat quality was higher because there was more giant kelp available for experimental removal. Quarterly disturbances resulted in greater decreases in giant kelp NPP than annual disturbances. Horizontal dashed line indicates equal annual NPP in paired control and disturbance plots. Solid lines and shading as in Figure 2