Seaweeds are primary producers that form a key component of coastal ecosystems. In estuaries and the intertidal zone they are frequently exposed to temporary hyposaline conditions. Previous research has shown that seaweed health status and photosynthetic activity are reduced due to hyposaline stress, but its effects on seaweed physical properties are unknown. This knowledge gap has important implications for the prediction of seaweed hydrodynamics and mechanical failure due to hydrodynamic stress, particularly in extreme conditions (e.g. storm events). In this study, we begin to address this knowledge gap by investigating the effects of hyposaline stress on the morphological and mechanical properties of the kelp Saccharina latissima (order Laminariales). We analysed the morphology of 23 seaweed blades and performed tension and bending tests on more than 90 samples prepared from them. The obtained data provide evidence that both morphology and mechanics of S. latissima are affected by hyposaline stress, i.e.: (i) blades bleach, develop blisters underneath the cortex, and change dimensions (increased volume and thickness, decreased width); and (ii) blade material becomes more flexible and more difficult to break (i.e. tougher). The results indicated a significant correlation between the time of exposure and changes in biomechanics of S. latissima with potential implications for seaweed hydrodynamics and survival strategies.

海藻是构成沿海生态系统关键组成部分的主要生产者。在河口和潮间带，它们经常处于暂时的次生理盐水状态。先前的研究表明，由于次盐水胁迫，海藻的健康状况和光合活性降低，但其对海藻物理特性的影响尚不清楚。这种知识鸿沟对于预测由于水动力应力引起的海藻水动力和机械故障具有重要意义，特别是在极端条件下（例如风暴事件）。在这项研究中，我们开始通过研究次盐胁迫对海带Saccharina latissima的形态和力学性能的影响来解决这一知识鸿沟（海带令）。我们分析了23个海藻叶片的形态，并对从它们制备的90多个样品进行了拉伸和弯曲测试。所获得的数据提供的证据表明两种形态和力学latissima S.通过低盐应力，即受到影响：（ⅰ）叶片漂白剂，开发水泡下方皮层，和改变尺寸（增加的体积和厚度，减少的宽度）; （ii）叶片材料变得更柔韧，更难以断裂（即更坚硬）。结果表明，暴露时间与S. latissima生物力学变化之间存在显着相关性，对海藻流体动力学和生存策略具有潜在影响。