Tauchuntersuchungen zur Vertikalverteilung der sublitoralen Helgoländer Algenvegetation

Abstract

The vertical distribution of macroscopic sublittoral algae near the island of Helgoland (North Sea) has been investigated using the Scuba diving technique. Laminaria digitata and L. saccharina occupy the depth range between 0.5 and 1.5 m (below mean low water of spring tides). The L. hyperborea forest extends between 1.5 and 4 m depth. The deepest-growing specimens of L. hyperborea have been recorded at 8 m depth, the deepest algae (encrusting forms) at 15 m. Some species are confined to the upper part of the sublittoral zone (e. g. Chondrus crispus, Dumontia incrassata, Ahnfeltia plicata, Polyides rotundus, Furcellaria fastigiata), while others penetrate to the lower part (e. g. Phycodrys rubens, Delesseria sanguinea, Brongniartella byssoides, Phyllophora crispa, Bryopsis plumosa). © 1970 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.