Variación de la biomasa de macroalgas en la Bahía de Cienfuegos, Cuba

Resumen

The biomass of macroalgae was measured in Cienfuegos Bay to determine the spatial and temporal variations of macroalgae communities. The mean values of biomass ranged from 7.5 (Playa Alegre station in February-01) to 1055.4 gm-2 (Junco Sur station in October-00). The morphofunctional group dominant in all stations was the coarse forms, represented by the species Hypnea spinella (C. Agardh) Kützing, Acanthophora spicifera (M. Vahl) Børgesen, Gracilaria blodgettii Harvey, and Chondrophycus papillosus (C. Agardh) Garbary & Harper. The north lobule, characterized by more impact of urbanization and industrialization harboured few macroalgae species relative to the site of south lobule. Hypnea spinella and Gracilaria spp., tolerant species to a wide range of ecological conditions were dominant species at locations of north lobule. Macroalgal diversity was greatest at the station located at south lobule; this station exhibited more oceanic conditions, which is explained by the abundance of Chondrophycus papillosus, characteristic of oligotrophic areas. It was observed a remarkable seasonal variation in biomass values at all stations. The highest biomass at north lobule was registered during the rainy period; it could be due to enrichment effects in this period. The highest biomass at the station of south lobule was registered during the dry period, the overgrowth of a filamentous green algae observed in this period could be explained by more transparency and disposition of light at the water in dry season.