Seasonal patterns and recruitment dynamics of green tide-forming Ulva species along the intertidal rocky shores of the southern coast of Korea

Abstract

The abundance of two Ulva species in unmanipulated and artificial plots was investigated to better understand the ecological aspects of green tides on the intertidal rocky shore of the southern coast of Korea from July 1998 to January 2001. Artificial substrates were made on ceramic tiles (200 cm2) using a mixture of cement and rock and were set up on the rocky substrate in the lower intertidal zone using a hammer and anchor bolts. These settling plates were replaced every 1–2 months. Two Ulva species were recruited continuously for 3–4 months each year. U. pertusa was recruited during summer-autumn, whereas U. linza was recruited during winter-early spring or spring-early summer. However, U. pertusa dominated in the monitoring plots compared with the experimental period, with the exception of 2 months (February and March 2000). These results indicated that U. pertusa may be the main contributor to green tides along the intertidal rocky shores. The two Ulva species showed a positive relationship between density and biomass. This suggests that the physical removal of Ulva masses should be conducted during the early growing season. I hope this study provides valuable information for determining management policies for green tides on intertidal rocky shores.