Spatio‐temporal dynamics and biomass of Cymodocea nodosa in Bekalta (Tunisia, Southern Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

AbstractLeaf growth, biomass and production of Cymodocea nodosa were measured from October 2006 to September 2007 in Monastir Bay (Tunisia). Shoot density showed a clear seasonal pattern, increasing during spring and summer and decreasing during fall and winter. Monthly mean shoot density ranged between 633 ± 48 and 704 ± 48 shoots∙m−2. The monthly average total biomass ranged between 560 ± 37 and 646 ± 32 g dry weight (DW)∙m−2. Total biomass varied significantly among stations and sampling times but did not show seasonal variation. Leaf plastochrone intervals varied seasonally, with an annual average of 28–30 days. Leaf productivity was highest in August (2.61 g DW∙m−2∙day−1) and lowest in February (0.35 g DW∙m−2∙day−1). Annual belowground primary production varied from 263 to 311 g DW∙m−2∙year−1. Annual leaf production was approximately equal for all the stations (from 264 to 289 g DW∙m−2∙year−1). Variability in water temperature, air temperature and salinity explained the annual variability in biological characteristics. Changes in belowground and total biomass were not correlated with seasonal variability in the environmental parameters monitored. Additionally, a literature review was conducted of C. nodosa features at other Mediterranean sites, encompassing 30 studies from 1985 to 2014.