Habitats for Marine Algae
The key to habitats for marine algae is light for photosynthesis--the
ability to synthesize carbohydrates using energy from the sun. What physical
conditions promote photosynthesis and allow plant growth and reproduction?
The critical aspects are light, water quality and temperature, availability
of carbon and other essential nutrients, and depth or tidal exposure.
Monterey Bay is home to a diversity of seaweeds growing on
nearshore intertidal and subtidal rocks surrounded by cold, clear, nutrient-rich
waters. Macroalgae also thrive in cold temperate oceans around the world
and in polar oceans, including the Antarctic and Arctic. Tropical seaweeds
tend to be diverse, but smaller in stature when compared to seaweeds in
colder, nutrient-rich waters. In the tropics, algae grow on hard substrata
like beachrock, coral reefs and on the roots of mangrove trees. Some Chlorophyta
have evolved to grow on subtidal sandy plains in tropical seas.
Monterey Bay Habitats
- Rocky intertidal zone
- Subtidal rocks
- Kelp forests
Tropical Caribbean Habitats
- Coral Reefs
- Subtidal Sand Plains
- Mangrove Mangels