GRATELOUPIA DORYPHORA HAS ESTABLISHED RESIDENCY IN RHODE ISLAND WATERS

• Published in: Journal of Phycology
• Main Authors: Harlin, M. M., Villalard‐Bohnsack, M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2000
• Subjects: North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.00001-84.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1046%2Fj.1529-8817.1999.00001-84.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.00001-84.x

Since 1994, when Grateloupia doryphora (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) was first detected in Rhode Island, the species has spread to the northern portions of Narragansett Bay and onto the open coast of Rhode Island Sound. Specimens collected at 5 m depths off North Prudence Island reached 175 cm in length and establish this alga as the largest member of the Florideophyceae on North Atlantic shores. Percent cover of populations is seasonal: highest in fall (September through November) and lowest in spring (March through May). Monthly measurements at three stations in Narragansett Bay show significant seasonal differences (p < 0.01) over two annual cycles. Artificial substrata placed in the field at known periods allowed measurements of growth rates on individual thalli. Laboratory culture clarified the sequence of life history stages that make this species a successful contender for space.