Eduardo Gabriel Torres Conde, Beatriz Martínez Daranas,
2017
Revistas arbitradas
Seagrasses at Guanahacabibes, Pinar del Río, Cuba
37
1991-6086
CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA
BOTANICA
BIOLOGIA MARINA
To update the knowledge on the state of seagrasses in the Gulf ofGuanahacabibes, 24 sites were sampled. Sampling was made using a quadrate of 25 x 25 cm that was haphazardly thrown 12 times along 30 m transects. In each quadrate, the cover of species seagrass and macroalgae was visually estimated. For Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König, the short shoots density was estimated in each quadrat and LeafArea Index (LAI) was calculated. Seagrass meadows in good condition were found, with a predominance of T. testudinum in most of the sites, with a cover of 36,2% (mean) in the whole area. Syringodium filiforme Ascher -son, Halodule wrigthii Ascherson, Halophiladecipiens Ostenfield, and Halophila engelmanniAscherson in Neumayer were less frequently found and with lower cover values. In two sites, seagrasses were not observed. These results match with the general distribution observed 35 years ago. Seaweeds were found with a mean cover of 8,0%, with a predominance of order Bryopsidales (Chlorophyta).Variations in the short shoots density (0-784,0 shoots.m-2), height (5-80 cm) and leaf area index (0,3-3,2) of T. testudinum were found among sites. This species had values of LAI lower than 0,8 in sites more sheltered and protected by the mangrove keys, or in more exposed to waves areas that can break the leaves. Results allow the conclusion that seagrasses in good condition in the gulf of Guanahacabibes are still present, similar to whatfound 35 years ago, although it would be convenient to analyze temporal variability and to broaden the study to other zones of the gulf.
Sistema Estatal de Información y Documentación Científica y Tecnológica
4