Seasonal Variation in the Biomass of Marine Macrophyta from Greek Coasts

Abstract

Abstract. The marine plant communities of the littoral zone in different biotopes of the Greek coasts were investigated in 1980‐81. Seasonal distribution and variation of marine plant biomass were assessed. The communities of Cystoseira crinita and C. compressa were outstanding with maximum biomass during the summer months. Corallina officinalis and Pterocladia capillacea + Viva rigida communities predominated with maximum biomass in autumn and exhibited a decrease in winter, except in stressed biotopes. The species diversity and productivity of seaweeds along the Greek coasts are interpreted in relation to a number of environmental parameters.