Macroalgal fouling communities as indicators of environmental change: potential applications for water quality monitoring

What is it about?

In this study, we looked at how seaweed communities growing on polyvinylchloride buoys in harbours differ in relation to varying levels of anthropogenic impact (nutrient levels and turbidity). We found that while qualitative aspects of these communities (i.e. the functional and taxonomic identity of the species present) did not appear to be related to anthropogenic impact, qualitative aspects were - as impact increased, diversity, species richness and evenness decreased. Therefore, macroalgal fouling communities have potential as indicators of water quality.

Featured Image