Nature of the distributional boundary of Fucus serratus on the north shore of Spain

Abstract

Fucus serratus dominates the mid-intertidal region west of Novellana, Asturias, but is absent further east. In a short transition zone, F. serratus is abundant within patches. Though high summer temperatures may be responsible for the lack of F. serratus in the inner part of the Bay of Biscay, temperature alone cannot explain the observed limit of distribution. Other factors such as limited dispersal ability and interspecific competition with other macroalgae might also be important in setting the boundary for F. serratus in N Spain. -from Author