Studies on the seasonality of 5 Gracilaria species (G. corticata, G. crassa, G. millardetii, G. salicornia, G. verrucosa) were carried out. The seasonal abundance of the various species varied with time and geographical location. Nevertheless, a general single peak was evident between the months of September and December. G. verrucosa on the other hand had its peak biomass in July/August. G. millardetti is the only species which apparently preferred lower salinities; the rest of the species had no special trends as far as salinity is concerned. The occurrence of G. verrucosa for a very short period during the cool part of the year is attributed to the high temperature that prevails in the coastal waters. |
