PRODUCTION AND BIOMASS OF CLADOPHORA-PROLIFERA (CHLOROPHYTA, CLADOPHORALES) IN BERMUDA

A bloom of the macroalga Cladophora prolifera (Chlorophyta, Cladophorales) has recently been reported in Bermuda. The present study summarizes 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. Productivity was measured using three different methods: 14C uptake, growth and biomass accumulation. Production values for the alga as estimated by these three methods were 3.1, 2.7 and 0,7 gC/m2/day, respectively. Production in June, 1977 was identical to that in December, 1976. Growth of the alga appears to be controlled largely by light intensity and nutrient availability. It is also likely that C prolifera is 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 are discussed. © 1979, Walter de Gruyter. All Rightes Reserved.