Production and Biomass of Cladophora prolifera (Chlorophyta, Cladophorales) in Bermuda

Abstract

A bloom of the macroalga C. prolifera was recently reported in Bermuda. Results of experiments conducted in June, 1977, designed to measure rates of primary production and to determine biological, physical and chemical factors controlling the rapid spread of the plant were summarized. Productivity was measured using 3 different methods: 14C uptake, growth and biomass accumulation. Production values for the alga were 3.1, 2.7 and 0.7 gC/m2 per day, respectively. Production in June, 1977 was identical to that in Dec., 1976. Growth of the alga appears to be controlled largely by light intensity and nutrient availability. C. prolifera may be responding to elevated levels of nutrients in Bermudas'' inshore waters. The possible roles of nutrient availability, algal morphology and natural selection in structuring marine benthic macroalgal communities were discussed.