Frequency and distribution of Macroalgae in coastal zone of Kish Island

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Three main groups of macroalgae have been studied along 4 transects in Kish Island. Sampling were carried out during highest tidal time, bimonthly for one year. All sampling were made by applying quadrates (0.5XO.5m) randomly along the intertidal zone. The collected specimen were identified and their frequency and biomass were determined.
 Statistical results showed that Rhizocolunium impelexum had the most frequency within green algae. Also, the most abundance occured in the first transect (Saffain), in the upper mid littoral zone (U.M.L) and during the first collection (March). Among the brown algae Cystoseira had the most abundance in the first transect and medium mid-littoral (M.M.L) in the fourth collection (September). Champia Japonica (red algae), had the most abundance Compared to the other 13 species in the first transect and in medium mid-littoral regions (M.M.L).
From the obtained information that in the first transect were located in the domestic sewage effluent region, the diversity and abundance of chlorophyta were the most. This can be due to existence and abundance of elements and nutrients. With the observation in the second transect (south western), algal species diversity especially brown and red algae were very high.

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