Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Warm Temperate Seaweed Communities: A Case Study of Deep Water Kelp Forests from the Alboran Sea (SW Mediterranean Sea) and the Strait of Gibraltar

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Seaweed Biology

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 219))

Abstract

Kelp forests are one of the most characteristic seaweed communities in the sublittoral of temperate oceans. Moreover, there is great concern about kelp forests because they are considered to be some of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. However, some of these communities are almost unknown or only scarcely and sporadically studied, because of their inaccessibility in deep waters. The aim of this contribution is to review the present knowledge of the singular deep water kelp forests of Laminaria ochroleuca and Saccorhiza polyschides, and the kelp beds of Phyllariopsis brevipes and Phyllariopsis purpurascens, from the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea (SW Mediterranean Sea). This review focuses on the biogeography of these species, analysis of the abiotic factors affecting the seaweed communities, their growth and reproduction strategies, an assessment of conservation, and the prospect for further studies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 299.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abdullah MI, Fredriksen S (2004) Production, respiration and exudation of dissolved matter by the kelp Laminaria hyperborea along the west coast of Norway. J Mar Biol Ass UK 84:887–894

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adl SM, Simpson AGB, Farmer MA, Andersen RA, Anderson OR, Barta JR, Bowser SS, Brugerolle G, Fensome RA, Fredericq S, James TY, Karpov S, Kugrens P, Krug J, Lane CE, Lewis LA, Lodge J, Lynn DH, Mann DG, McCourt RM, Mendoza L, Moestrup Ø, Mozley-Standridge SE, Nerad TA, Shearer CA, Smirnov AV, Speigel FW, Taylor MFJR (2005) The new higher level classification of eukaryotes with emphasis on the taxonomy of protists. J Eukaryot Microbiol 52:399–451

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aguilar R, García S, Ubero J (2010) Distribution of deep-sea laminarians around three Spanish marine protected areas. http://eu.oceana.org/sites/default/files/reports/OCEANA_Poster_Laminarias_2010.pdf Cited 14 March 2011

  • Amigues S (1989) Théophraste. Recherches sur les plantes, vol II. Les Belles Lettres, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Atkinsons MJ, Smith SV (1984) C:N:P ratios of benthic marine plants. Limnol Oceanogr 28:568–574

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Birkett DA, Maggs CA, Dring MJ, Boaden PJS (1998) Infralittoral reef biotopes with kelp species. An overview of dynamic and sensitivity characteristics for conservation management of marine SACs. Scottish Association of Marine Science (UK Marine SACs Project), Scotland

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolton JJ (2010) The biogeography of kelps (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae): a global analysis with new insights from recent advances in molecular phylogenetics. Helgoland Mar Res 64:263–279

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christie H, Jørgesen NM, Norderhaug KM, Waage-Nielsen E (2003) Species distribution and habitat exploitation of fauna associated with kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) along the Norwegian coast. J Mar Biol Ass UK 83:687–699

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christie H, Norderhaug KM, Fredriksen S (2009) Macrophytes as habitat for fauna. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 396:221–233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cousteau J-Y, Dugan J (1963) The living sea. Hamish Hamilton, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Dayton PK (1985) Ecology of kelp communities. Annu Rev Ecol Syst 16:215–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dayton PK (1994) Essay: kelp forest. In: Lobban CS, Harrison PJ (eds) Seaweed ecology and physiology. Cambridge University Press, New York, pp 75–77

    Google Scholar 

  • Drew EA (1972) Growth of a kelp forest at 60 metres in the Straits of Messina. Mem Biol Mar Oceanogr Univ Messina 2:135–157

    Google Scholar 

  • Drew EA (1974) An ecological study of Laminaria ochroleuca Pyl. Growing below 50 metres in the Straits of Messina. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 15:11–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drew EA, Ireland JF, Muir C, Robertson WA, Robinson JD (1982) Photosynthesis, respiration, and other factors influencing the growth of Laminaria ochroleuca Pyl. below 50 metres in the Straits of Messina. PSZNI Mar Ecol 3:335–355

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Druehl LD (1981) The distribution of Laminariales in the North Pacific with reference to environmental influences. Proc Int Congr Syst Evol Biol 2:248–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunton KH, Reimnitz E, Schonberg S (1982) An Arctic kelp community in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Arctic 35:465–484

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feldmann J (1934) Les Laminaricées de la Méditerranée et leur répartition géographique. Bull Trav Stat d’Aquicult Pêche de Castiglione 1932:141–184

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernández C, Niell FX (1981) Discusión sobre los métodos usados en la estimación de la producción de macrófitos intermareales. Oecol Aquat 5:43–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A (1997) Changes in reproductive effort, lamina-area index, and standing crop with depth in the deep water alga Phyllariopsis purpurascens (Laminariales, Phaeophyta). Phycologia 36:32–37

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A (2004) Los bosques de laminariales. In: Luque AA, Templado J (eds) Praderas y bosques marinos de Andalucía. Consejería de Medio Ambiente de la Junta de Andalucía, Sevilla, pp 183–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A, Fernández JA (1998) The role of external carbonic anhydrase in the photosynthetic use of inorganic carbon in the deep-water alga Phyllariopsis purpurascens (Laminariales, Phaeophyta). Planta 207:115–119

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A, Henry EC (1998) Gametophyte and first stages of the sporophyte of Phyllariopsis purpurascens (Laminariales, Phaeophyta). Phycologia 37:398–401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A, Fernández JA, Niell FX (1993) Reproductive phenology, growth and primary production of Phyllariopsis purpurascens (Phyllariaceae, Phaeophyta) from the Straits of Gibraltar area. Eur J Phycol 28:223–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A, Fernández JA, Niell FX (1995) Seasonal variations of photosynthetic pigments, total C, N, and P content, and photosynthesis in Phyllariopsis purpurascens (Phaeophyta) from the Strait of Gibraltar. J Phycol 31:867–874

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A, Fernández JA, Niell FX (1996) Growth pattern, reproduction and self-thinning in seaweeds. J Phycol 32:767–769

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flores-Moya A, Fernández JA, Niell FX (1997) Growth pattern, reproduction and self-thinning in seaweeds: a re-evaluation in reply to Scrosati. J Phycol 33:1080–1081

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fredj G, Giermann G (1969) Observations en SP300 de peuplements de Laminariales dans le detroit de Messine. Rapp et PV du CIESM, Monaco 20:259–261

    Google Scholar 

  • Gagné JA, Mann KH (1981) Comparison of growth strategy in Laminaria populations living under differing seasonal patterns of nutrient availability. Proc Int Seaweed Symp 10:297–302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giaccone G (1969) Note sistematiche ed osservazioni fitosociologiche sulle Laminariales del Mediterraneo occidentale. G Bot Ital 193:457–474

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giaccone G (1972) Struttura, ecologia e corologia dei popolameti a laminarie dello Stretto di Messina e del mare di Alboran. Mem Biol Mar Oceanogr NS 2:37–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham MH, Kinlan BP, Druehl LD, Garske LE, Banks S (2007) Deep-water kelp refugia as potential hotspots of tropical marine diversity and productivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:16576–16580

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guiry MD, Guiry GM (2011) AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org. Cited 14 March 2011

  • Henry EC (1987) The life history of Phyllariopsis brevipes (=Phyllaria reniformis) (Phyllariaceae, Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), a kelp with dioecious but sexually monomorphic gametophytes. Phycologia 26:17–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hort AF (1926) Theophrastus, enquiry into plants Vol. II. William Heinemann, Harvard University Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Huvé H (1958) Contribution à l'étude des peuplements des Phyllariacées du détroit de Messine. Réun Commiss internation Explor sci Médit 14(NS):525–533

    Google Scholar 

  • Izquierdo JL, Pérez-Ruzafa IM, Gallardo T (2002) Effect of temperature and photon fluence rate on gametophytes and young sporophytes of Laminaria ochroleuca Pylaie. Helgol Mar Res 55:285–292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klinger T, DeWreede RE (1988) Stipe rings, age, and size in populations of Laminaria setchellii Silva (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) in British Columbia, Canada. Phycologia 27:234–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lacombe H, Richez P (1982) The regime of the Strait of Gibraltar. In: Nihoul JCJ (de) Hydrodynamics of the semi-enclosed seas, 13th International Liège Colloquium on Ocean Hydrodynamics. Elsevier Oceanography Series 34, Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 13–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacombe H, Tchernia P (1972) Caràcteres hydrologiques et circulation des eaux en Méditerranée. In: Stanley DJ (ed) The Mediterranean Sea: a natural sedimentation laboratory. Dowden Hutchinson and Ross, Stroudsburg, pp 26–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Lüning K (1990) Seaweeds. Their environment, biogeography and ecophysiology. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Lüning K, Dring M (1979) Continuous underwater light measurement near Helgoland (North Sea) and its significance for characteristics light limits in the sublittoral region. Helgoländer wiss Meeresunters 32:403–424

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mann KH (1973) Seaweeds: their productivity and strategy for growth. Science 182:975–981

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mann KH (1982) Ecology of coastal waters. A system approach. Blackwell, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Norton TA (1970) Synopsis of biological data on Saccorhiza polyschides. FAO Fisheries Synopsis 83:1–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Cirera JL, Cremades J, Bárbara I (1989) Precisiones sistemáticas y sinecológicas sobre algunas algas nuevas para Galicia o para las costas atlánticas de la Península Ibérica. Anales Jard Bot Madrid 46:35–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Ruzafa I, Izquierdo JL, Araújo R, Sousa-Pinto I, Pereira L, Bárbara I (2003) Mapas de distribución de algas marinas de la Península Ibérica e Islas Baleares. XVII. Laminaria rodriguezii Bornet y adiciones a los mapas de L. hyperborea (Gunner.) Foslie, L. ochroleuca Bach. Pyl. y L. saccharina (L.) Lamour. (Laminariales, Fucophyceae). Bot Complut 27:155–164

    Google Scholar 

  • Redfield AC (1934) On the proportions of organic derivations in sea water and their relation to the composition of plankton. In: Daniel RJ (ed) James Johnstone memorial volume. University Press of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, pp 177–192

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez J (1982) Oceanografía del mar Mediterráneo. Pirámide SA, Madrid

    Google Scholar 

  • Roleda MY, Hanelt D, Kräbs G, Wiencke C (2004) Morphology, growth, photosynthesis and pigments in Laminaria ochroleuca (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) under ultraviolet radiation. Phycologia 43:603–613

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarhan T, García Lafuente J, Vargas M, Vargas JM, Plaza F (2000) Upwelling mechanisms in the northwestern Alboran Sea. J Mar Syst 23:317–331

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sasaki H, Flores-Moya A, Henry EC, Müller D, Kawai H (2001) Molecular phylogeny of Phyllariaceae, Halosiphonaceae and Tilopteridales (Phaeophyceae). Phycologia 40:123–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sauvageau C (1918) Sur les plantules d’une Laminaire à prothalle parasite (Phyllaria reniformis Rostanf.). C R Acad Sci Paris 166:787–789

    Google Scholar 

  • Sjøtun K, Fredriksen S, Rueness J, Lein TE (1995) Ecological studies of the kelp Laminaria hyperborea (Gunnerus) Foslie in Norway. In: Skjoldal HR, Hopkins C, Erikstad KE, Leinaas HP (eds) Ecology of fjords and coastal waters. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 525–536

    Google Scholar 

  • Steneck RS, Graham MH, Bourque BJ, Corbett D, Erlandson JM, Estes JA, Tegner MJ (2002) Kelp forest ecosystems: biodiversity, stability, resilience and future. Environ Conserv 29:436–459

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Templado J, Calvo M, Moreno D, Flores-Moya A, Conde F, Abad R, Rubio J, López-Fé CM, Ortiz M (2006) Flora y fauna de la reserva marina y reserva de Pesca de la isla de Alborán. Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Secretaría General de Pesca Marítima, Madrid

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiencke C, Gómez I, Pakker H, Flores-Moya A, Altamirano M, Hanelt D, Bischof K, Figueroa FL (2000) Impact of UV radiation on viability, photosynthetic characteristics and DNA of brown algal zoospores: implications for depth zonation. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 197:217–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Agustín Barrajón was my excellent dive partner for more than 2,000 deep water dives in different locations in the Alboran Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. The research work was enriched by collaboration (and sometimes diving) with the following colleagues worldwide: María Altamirano, Francisco Conde, José A. Fernández, Félix L. Figueroa, Eric C. Henry (who also revised the English style and usage of this chapter), Hiroshi Kawai, Ángel A. Luque, F. Xavier Niell, José Templado, and Christian Wiencke. José C. Moreno and the organization OCEANA were the authors of the submarine photographs. The writing of the chapter was financially supported by the Junta de Andalucía Research Group RNM-115.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Biology (Botany), University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain

    Antonio Flores-Moya

Authors
  1. Antonio Flores-Moya
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Antonio Flores-Moya .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Section Functional Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Christian Wiencke

  2. Marine Botany, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Kai Bischof

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Flores-Moya, A. (2012). Warm Temperate Seaweed Communities: A Case Study of Deep Water Kelp Forests from the Alboran Sea (SW Mediterranean Sea) and the Strait of Gibraltar. In: Wiencke, C., Bischof, K. (eds) Seaweed Biology. Ecological Studies, vol 219. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28451-9_15

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation