Seasonal biomass variation of Chondracanthus canaliculatus (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) associated with environmental factors, using a principal components analysis

Abstract

Associations between biomass (dry weight) of Chondracanthus canaliculatus (Harvey) Guiry and atmospheric and seawater temperature, wave energy and hours of tidal emersion were determined using a principal components analysis. Bimonthly samples of C. canaliculatus biomass were collected from November 1988 to November 1989, Chondracanthus canaliculatus biomass had a marked seasonal cycle, with maximum values of biomass in summer (670 g m–2) and minimum in winter (126 g m–2). The principal components analysis showed that high biomass (grater than 543 g m–2) was associated with high atmospheric temperatures (greater than 21.4ºC) and low wave energy (less than 95.7 cm). Low biomass (less than 323 g m–2) was associated with low atmospheric temperatures (less than 17.2ºC) and tidal emersion between 81.5 and 109 h. Medium biomass values (323-543 g m–2) were associated with high water temperatures (grater than 16ºC).