Preliminary study on the dynamics of Cystoseira abies-marina populations in Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Abstract

The marine flora of the Canary Islands has re­ceived considerable attention from biologists. The main studies have been taxonomical, floristic and biogeographical researchs, whereas only very few works have been done with an eco-physiological ap­proach (JOHNSTON 1969; HAROUN et al. 1984). Only in recent years, the processes that affect the pattern and persistence of marine communities are receiving increasing attention (SCHIEL & FORSTER 1986). In the shallow sublittoral waters of the Canary Islands, the brown alga Cystoseira abie:;-marina (GMELIN) C. AGARDH (Fucales, Cystoseiraceae) is the dominant species in most phytobenthonic communities of rocky coasts (WILDPRET et al. 1987). These sublit­toral forests play an important role as nursery grounds for local fisheries. The structure and dynam­ics of C. abies-marina populations are poorly known. This paper is a preliminary report on the variation of sorne biometrical parameters of this plant, as well as the biomass data of two populations in Tenerife Is­land.