Biodiversity associated to Sargassum forest at the Gulf of California
2013
Invertebrates: classification, evolution and biodiversity
The Sargassum forests are one of the most characteristic and critical habitats for conservation in the rocky shores at the Gulf of California. Therefore, it is necessary to know more about the associated populations. The study was carried out in five localities around La Paz Bay México. The biodiversity associated with sub-tidal Sargassum forest was monitored by applying a modification of the NaGISA rocky shore protocol. The richness of fish species was estimated for long of transects of 50 m. The cover percent of the biotic and abiotic component of substrate, the composition of epibenthic invertebrates and the richness of macroalgae species were estimated inside of 1 m2 quadrants, and the density (thalli number) and size of Sargassum were estimated inside 625 cm2 quadrants. The substrate was composed principally of rock, Sargassum and other seaweeds. In total, 27 species of fishes, 23 species of macroalgae, 38 species of macro epibenthic and 17 micro epibenthic invertebrates were registered. Differences in species composition of macroalgae associated with Sargassum forests were observed between the locality El Saladito and The Sauzoso. During the study, the size of Sargassum showed temporal variation suggesting growth differences. The total number of epibenthic invertebrates found was 633 (mean = 3.7 individuals/m2), which were classified into six taxa; the Cnidaria was the most abundant. The cover percent of substrate components, the community structure of fauna and morphometric variables of the algae showed a spatial-temporal variation. The results show the baseline that can be obtained, which in turn will provide the information necessary to understand the ecological role of these brown algae for the maintenance of biodiversity and the community-associated changes. Sargassum forest is a critical habitat for conservation in the Gulf of California because it is sensitive to environmental and human-induced impacts. Their role in coastal areas is related to species recruitment; the fixation of CO2 and drift material, which are extremely important to sandy beach stability and food sources for insects from terrestrial environments. Sargassum forest comprise a relevant near shore ecosystem where species related to fisheries, protected species and those with high biodiversity treat it as a refuge. There are several fisheries related who are close to this ecosystem and legal protection does not exist to protect this critical habitat for conservation in the Gulf of California.
Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Rafael Riosmena-Rodríguez
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USA
Alvin Noé Suárez-Castillo, Rafael Riosmena-Rodríguez, Gustavo Hernández-Carmona, María del Carmen Méndez-Trejo, Juan Manuel López-Vivas, Carlos Sánchez-Ortíz, María Monica Lara-Uc, Jorge Torre-Cosío,
CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA Y EL COSMOS
OTRAS ESPECIALIDADES EN MATERIA DE CIENCIAS DE LA TIERRA DEL COSMOS Y DEL MEDIO AMBIENTE
Sistema Estatal de Información y Documentación Científica y Tecnológica
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