ENSO and eucheumatoid algae cultivation in China

Abstract

The outbreaks of ice-ice disease and Epiphytic Filamentous Algae (EFA) on eucheumatoid algae have a close relationship with environmental factors. El Niño together with the corresponding atmospheric Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the most influential natural climate pattern on Earth. The relationship between the outbreaks of ice-ice disease and EFA on eucheumatoid algae with ENSO was investigated from the perspective of environmental conditions in Lian Bay, Lingshui, China. The low salinity and high temperature during August to October were dangerous for the cultivation of eucheumatoid algae in Lian Bay, especially in La Niña years. The possibility of disease and EFA would be decreased if the algae were cultured in deeper water. We suggest that the algae be cultured in deeper water in the La Niña years in Lian Bay, Lingshui from August to October. Based on the results of this study, future research should pay more attention to the relationship between ENSO and exceptional events in fisheries and aquaculture. Such information will be essential for developing appropriate strategies to predict the timing of exceptional events and help control their impacts.