The change of Biomass and cover percentage of Gracilaria salicornia (C. Agardh) Dawson and its dispersion in seashore of Persian Gulf

Gracilaria salicornia (C.Agardh) Dawson is an agarophytic alga which has wide distribution in tropical seas. The species has formed small communities in northeast of the Qeshm island in south of Iran. In this study seasonal changes of biomass and two communities of the species were studied since October 2001 for a year. The transect–quadrate method used in this study and monthly production and percentage cover of the species were measured in different depths of the intertidal regions of the two communities. In this study Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that there are significant differences in percentage cover and production (dry weight) of Gracilaria salicornia with respect to depth ranges (shore elevation) (P<0.01). The highest dry production (598.9±67.2 g/m2) and percentage cover (% 69.12±3.7) of Gracilaria salicornia were determined between 2.7 to 3.5 m. depth of sea water.