Benthic Marine Algae Research Articles

Biodiversity and Community Structure of Marine Benthic Organisms in the Rocky Shore of Dongbaekseom, Busan

Species composition, community structure and biodiversity of marine benthic community were studied in the rocky shore of Dongbaekseom, Busan. A total of 82 species of marine algae including 4 Cyanophyta, 11 Chlorophyta, 20 Phaeophyta and 47 Rhodophyta are listed. The dominant algal species were Ulva pertusa, Chondria crassicaulis, Corallina spp. and Melobesioidean algae. Sargassum thunbergii, Chondracanthus intermedia, Gelidium divaricatum and Ralfsia verrucosa were subdominant in cases of different seasons and vertical layers. Chthamalus challengeri, Littorina brevicula and Mytilus edulis were dominant zoobenthic species upper-middle layer of the intertidal zone. The community structure of this area seemed to be controlled by spatial competition with benthic marine algae. The species diversity indices estimated from different sources were quite different. Indices from coverage were 1.87, 3.98 from frequency, 2.26 from the average of total frequency and coverage and 2.15 from importance value. The similarity indices on the present study showed decreasing trends comparing to the previous benthic algal composition researches.

119 Marine Algae of Pohnpei and Ant Atoll with Comparisons to Other Pacific Atolls and Island Groups

A study of benthic marine algae collected from Pohnpei Island and Ant Atoll, Federated States of Micronesia, documented the occurrence of 113 species of red algae (Rhodophyta), 60 species of green algae (Chlorophyta) and 17 species of brown algae (Phaeophyta), many of which are new records for Pohnpei, Ant Atoll and Micronesia. Added to reports from the literature, a total known marine benthic flora of Ant and Pohnpei (exclusive of Cyanobacteria and crustose coralline algae) now stands at 241. The high island, volcanic nature, and larger size of Pohnpei which is very different from the low, calcareous geomorphology of smaller Ant Atoll, led us to expect higher species numbers from Pohnpei relative to Ant, and greater differences in their algal floras than we found. Comparisons of the Ant‐Pohnpei algal flora were also made using Jaccard and Sorensen's indices to Ifaluk Atoll (Caroline Islands), Enewetak Atoll (Marshall Islands), the Northern Mariana Islands, and the distant south Pacific island groups of Fiji and French Polynesia. Biogeographical investigation of the marine algae flora revealed that Ant Atoll and Pohnpei have a large number of widespread and Indo‐Pacific species, but very few probable regional endemics.

An annotated checklist of deep-reef benthic marine algae from Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas (western Atlantic), I. Chlorophyta and Heterokontophyta

An annotated checklist of deep-reef benthic marine algae from Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas (western Atlantic), I. Chlorophyta and Heterokontophyta

New records of marine benthic algae for the Mozambican coast, collected at Inhaca Island

Thirteen taxa of Rhodophyta, Phaeophyta and Chlorophyta are reported for the first time from Inhaca Island: Gelidiopsis repens, Solieria robusta, Tricleocarpa cylindrica, Dictyota humifusa, Padina boergesenii, Sargassum crassifolium, Stoechospermum polypodioides, Caulerpa microphysa, Cladophora catenata, C. coelothrix, C. vagabunda, Rhizoclonium africanum, Udotea indica. All of these species are new records for Mozambique, Cladophora catenata is recorded for the first time in the Indian Ocean. The seaweed flora of Inhaca Island now totals 224 taxa, including 73 genera of Rhodophyta (120 species), 15 genera of Phaeophyta (28 species) and 28 genera of Chlorophyta (35 species, some of which have several varieties).

Highlights of Recent Collections of Marine Algae from the Sultanate of Oman

AbstractCollections of benthic marine algae made over the past 3 years on the Dhofar coast of the Sultanate of Oman have continued to provide a more complete picture of the floristic affinities of this up‐to‐now poorly explored region. This Algal Biodiversity Project of Oman was funded by the British Government's Darwin Initiative grant for the ‘Survival of Species’ and managed by HTS Development Ltd., of the UK. A rich and floristically complicated flora is emerging, with connections to subtropical and warm temperate regions. Many new algal taxa have been discovered and described, and numerous new records for Oman or for the Indian Ocean have been reported. Some species newly reported for Oman (and the Indian Ocean) had previously been known from Japan (Distromium decumbens, Kallymenia crassiuscula, Dudresnaya japonica, and Chondria crassicaulis). Sporochnus pedunculatus and Pedobesia simplex had been known from the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean and are new records for the Indian Ocean. Some new species of red algae have been described, such as a Dipterocladia and a Plocamium. Some brown algal novelties have also been discovered, including new species of Turbinaria and Jolyna, and a new genus of Chordariaceae. The macroalgal flora of southern Oman is rich with representatives of Codium, Scinaia, Galaxaura, Melanothamnus, and the families Gelidiaceae and Dictyotaceae. Several representative marine algae from southern Oman will be depicted and discussed.

A floristic account of the benthic marine algae of Tuscany (Western Mediterranean Sea)

A floristic account of the benthic marine algae of Tuscany (north-western Italy) is presented. On the basis of literature reports and personal observations of the authors, a check-list was prepared; the flora consists of 471 taxa (76 Chlorophycota, 89 Phaeophycota and 306 Rhodophycota), 35 of which are new records for the region. Because of the little number of records in the Mediterranean or the particular habitat where they were collected, some of the new records are of particular ecological or biogeographical interest: Symphyocladia marchantioides , Scytosiphon sp., Polysiphonia subtilissima , Halosia elisae , Polysiphonia perforans , Laurencia chondrioides . The overall compo- sition of the algal flora of Tuscany is similar to that of other western and central Mediterranean regions and the few floristic peculiarities are either the result of introductions or morphologically very close to much more common species. Riassunto: Viene presentato uno studio floristico della flora algale bentonica della Toscana. Sulla base di dati bibliografici ed osservazioni personali degli autori, e stata preparata una lista floristica; la flora consiste di 471 taxa (76 Chlorophycota, 89 Phaeophycota and 306 Rhodophycota), di cui 35 non sono stati precedentemente segnalati per la regione. Tra le nuove segnalazioni, alcune hanno un particolare interesse ecologico o biogeografico: Symphyocladia marchantioides , Scytosiphon sp., Polysiphonia subtilissima , Halosia elisae , Polysiphonia perforans , Laurencia chondrioides . Com- plessivamente la composizione della flora algale bentonica della Toscana e' simile a quella di altre regioni del Mediterraneo centro-occidentale e le poche peculiarita floristiche sono probabilmente il risultato di introduzioni o di una morfologia simile a quella di altre specie piu' comuni.

Notes on Marine Algae Collected in Guinea-Bissau, Tropical West Africa

A total of 15 taxa of marine benthic algae from Guinea-Bissau are identified, namely 3 in the Chlorophyceae, 5 in the Phaeophyceae and 7 in the Rhodophyceae. All of these are new records for Guinea-Bissau.

Twenty Marine Benthic Algae New to South Africa, with Emphasis on the Flora of Kwazulu-Natal

A total of 20 new records of benthic marine algae has been added to the flora of South Africa, consisting of 6 taxa of Phaeophyta and 14 Rhodophyta. Most species have a pantropical or Indo-Pacific distribution and are generally known from several localities in the Indian Ocean (e.g. Asteronema breviarticulatum, Ceramium cingulatum , Dictyota cervicornis , D. ciliolata , Euptilota fergusonii , Galaxaura rugosa , Halymenia durvillei , Phacelocarpus tristichus ). Others are only known from a limited number of reports scattered within the Indo-Pacific region ( Balliella crouanioides , Gibsmithia hawaiiensis , Predaea weldii , Hypoglossum minimum ), possibly due to their subtidal habitat or small size. Apart from those algae with a large distribution range, some species show a distinctive southern Australian–South African distribution pattern ( Carpopeltis phyllophora , Plocamium mertensii ). Only Digeneopsis subopaca , originally described from Mozambique, appears to represent a local endemic species.

Annotated catalogue of the benthic marine algae of the Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve of Samoa

A total of 124 species of benthic marine algae is reported from the Palolo Deep National Marine Reserve on the island of Upolu (Western) Samoa (13°49′S, 171°45′W). Included in the catalogue are 88 Rhodophyceae, 12 Phaeophyceae and 24 Chlorophyceae. This represents the first survey of benthic marine algae for any site in the Samoan Archipelago in the last 76 years. A total of 90 species newly recorded for the region brings the total reported species to 288 (includes Cyanophyceae not reported here). This is about 68% of the current flora from, for example, nearby Fiji. Of the 11 sites investigated, the eastern algal rim of the main Deep (0–10-m depth) is the most diverse, with 68 species. The subtidal (up to 25 m deep) is also diverse with 57 species recorded. The least diverse of all the sites is the Borrow Pit with only six species.

Phosphatase activity of benthic marine algae. An overview

This review provides an account of the phosphatase activities of benthic marine algae and is based on reports for more than a hundred species, including cyanobacteria, red, brown and green algae. Particular emphasis is given to the use of phosphomonoesterase activity as a rapid means of assessing the phosphorus status of the alga and thus indirectly that of the environment. An understanding of the influence of environmental factors and the growth pattern of the particular alga is important in carrying out assays. For instance, the response to light differs markedly between species, especially in short-term assays, when the effect can be obvious or none. Considerations about the methodology for measuring alkaline phosphatase activity are discussed, particularly whether to simulate field conditions or to use optimum conditions. Recommendations are suggested concerning the best methodology for routine use, followed by a discussion of the future prospects for the method.

Marine benthic algae from Uruçuca, Bahia, Brazil.

Algas marinas bentónicas del municipio de Urupica, Bahia, Brasil.Key words. Bahia, Brasil, check-list, scaweeds.Palabras clave. Algas marinas, catálogo, Bahía, Brasil.

A DISTRIBUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF BENTHIC MARINE ALGAE COLLECTED IN SOUTH CENTRAL ALASKA DURING THE CHIA STUDIES OF EVOS

Hansen, G. I.1 & Stekoll, M. S.2 1Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365 USA; 2Juneau Center for the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska, Juneau, AK 99801 USADuring the University of Alaska's Coastal Habitat Injury Assessment (CHIA) study of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, intensive investigations were carried out on the intertidal algal communities of Prince William Sound, the Kenai Peninsula, the Kodiak Islands, and the Alaska Peninsula. As a part of these investigations, thorough voucher collections were made of the benthic marine algae present in more than 100 transect areas used for the study. The 7,300 collected specimens were pressed, identified to species, curated, and cataloged. For this study, we have utilized these data as well as information on the habitat types and species life histories to prepare regional checklists and distributional analyses of the species discovered. Environmental conditions in south central Alaska vary regionally as well as seasonally, and the narrow vs. broad ranges of these species appear to reflect closely their ability to tolerate these diverse conditions. The algal biodiversity, distribution, and habitat data made available through this study provide crucially needed background information for future environmental impact studies and for restoration and conservation efforts in Alaska.

New records of benthic marine algae from the Sultanate of Oman, northern Arabian Sea. II.

New records of benthic marine algae from the Sultanate of Oman, northern Arabian Sea. II.

Additions to the Marine Algal (Seaweed) Flora of the Azores

Ten species of benthic marine algae, new distribution records for the Azores achipelago, are itemised; two other species records (Heterosiphonia crispella and Laminaria ochroleuca) are confirmed for the islands. Six species (Bryopsis pennata, Cottoniella filamentosa, Dasya baillouviana, Feldmannia paradoxa, Heterosiphonia crispella and Lomentaria clavellosa) show an amphi-Atlantic distribution pattern; four (Bonnemaisonia asparagoides, Laminaria ochroleuca, Pterosphonia ardreana and Stylonema cornu-cervi) show a European-African-Mediterranean distribution pattern. The occurrence of Dudresnaya crassa, a western Atlantic warm-water species, represents an extension of its known distributional range to the east. An Ahnfeltiopsis was found which resembled A. intermedia, a species that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean to the south of the Azores.

Subtidal Benthic Marine Algae of the Phoenix Islands, Republic of Kiribati, Central Pacific

A total of 69 taxa of subtidal benthic marine algae, including nine new records (Rhodophyceae) for Micronesia, is listed from the Phoenix Islands, Kiribati, Central Pacific. Collections from Nikumaroro, McKean, Kanton, Enderbury, Phoenix, Sydney and Hull Atolls are reported, including 7 Cyanophyceae, 29 Rhodophyceae, 5 Phaeophyceae and 28 Chlorophyceae. This brings to 107 the number of species reported from these islands to date.

Marine brown algae (Phaeophyta) from the north coast of Papua New Guinea, with a description of Dictyota magneana sp. nov.

The marine benthic brown algae of the north coast of Papua New Guinea (mainly from Madang province) are documented, based on collections made by the first author, between 1980 and 1990. All records [34 identified taxa (+ Sargassum spp.)] are listed with bibliographic, taxonomic, nomenclatural and biogeographical notes. The specimens belonging to the genus Dictyota are identified according to recent species definitions. D. magneana De Clerck et Coppejans is described as new to science. Only some representatives of the genus Sargassum have been identified to species level. The phaeophycean flora of the north coast is very similar to that of the south coast (Port Moresby area); nevertheless some differences can be observed.

Marine green algae (Chlorophyta) from the north coast of Papua New Guinea

Abstract The marine benthic green algae of the north coast of Papua New Guinea (mainly from Madang province) are documented, based on collections made by the first author between 1980 and 1990. All records (118 taxa) are listed with bibliographic, taxonomic, nomenclatural and biogeographical notes. Identification keys are added for genera represented by at least two species. Representatives of the Pseudocodiaceae and some Udoteaceae are illustrated. The green algal flora of the north coast appears to be much richer than that of the south coast where 72 taxa, including 19 unchecked records from literature, are recorded from the Port Moresby area.

Further connections between the benthic marine algal floras of the northern Arabian Sea and Japan

Identifications made on some recent collections of benthic marine algae from the Sultanate of Oman, northern Arabian Sea, have revealed several new records for this region. A total of eight species, representing five species of Rhodophyceae, two species of Phaeophyceae, and a single species each of Chlorophyceae, are newly reported for Oman. Of particular interest is the fact that these species represent new records for the Indian Ocean, some of which had previously been known from Japan and environs.

Late Cretaceous incident light reduction: evidence from benthic algae

The Cretaceous-Palaeogene record of benthic marine algae is dominated by two calcified groups: red Corallinales and green Dasycladales. Non-geniculate corallines range to depths of -268 m from tropics to poles. In contrast, dasycladaleans are restricted to shallow, warm waters. During the Maastrichtian, both groups suffered extinction of two-thirds of their species. Extinction among deeper-water species (61–70%) was only slightly less than for shallow-water species (67–79%). This small amount of selectivity between species with very different depth-temperature distributions implicates a factor capable of affecting most of the photic zone. Large-scale reduction in incident light is more likely to have this effect than changes in factors such as temperature or sea level, which would affect shallow water species more intensely than those in deep water. Significant incident light reduction features in both the bolide impact and extensive volcanism hypotheses of Cretaceous-Palaeogene extinction. Dating of this major Late Cretaceous benthic algal extinction event requires further stratigraphic resolution. Available evidence suggests that it occurred in the latter part of the Maastrichtian. Its precise timing could clarify debate concerning the nature and cause of end-Cretaceous mass extinction. Both corallines and dasycladaleans recovered their diversity in Early Palaeocene species radiations.

Contribución al estudio de las algas marinas bentónicas de Punta Arena y Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, México

Se llevaron a cabo seis recolectas ocasionales en la zona submareal e intermareal de Punta Arena y Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, entre 1989 y 1994. Se registró la presencia de 115 especies, 66 de ellas pertenecientes a la clase Rhodophyceae, 23 a Phaeophyceae, 4 a Bacillariophyceae, 18 a Chlorophyceae y 4 a Cyanophyceae. En Punta Arena se localizaron 88 especies y en Cabo Pulmo 68. La lista florística se acompaña de datos sobre estacionalidad, estadio reproductivo, nivel de marea, sustrato, exposición al oleaje y el epifitismo asociado. La ficoflora de estas localidades es de afinidad tropical, encontrándose más diversificada en primavera. Se citan por primera vez para el Golfo de California a Pneophyllum conicum (E. Y. Dawson) Keats, Chamberlain et Baba, Hincksia rallsiae (Vickers) P.C. Silva y Acetabularia parvula Solms-Laubach.