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‘Green tides’ are overwhelming the coastline of our blue planet: taking the world’s largest example

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Ecological Research

Abstract

A broad spectrum of events that come under the category of green tide are recognized world-wide as a response to elevated levels of seawater nutrients in coastal areas. Green tides involve a wide diversity of sites, macroalgal species, consequences, and possible causes. Here we review the effect of natural and man-induced environmental fluctuations on the frequency and apparent spread of green tides. This article highlights the need for interdisciplinary research aimed at shedding light on the basic mechanisms governing the occurrence and succession of green algae in coastal seas. This will result in more effective management and mitigation of the effects of green tides, thus safeguarding the intrinsic and commercial value of coastal marine ecosystems.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (40706050 and 31000135), the National Science and Technology Pillar Program (2008BAC49B04), National Special Fund for Transgenic Project (2009ZX08009-019B), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (2009ZRA02075), Qingdao Municipal Science and Technology Plan Project (09-2-5-8-hy) and the Hi-TechResearch and Development Program (863) of China (2009AA10Z106).

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  1. Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Nai-hao Ye, Xiao-wen Zhang, Yu-ze Mao, Dong Xu, Jian Zou, Zhi-meng Zhuang & Qing-yin Wang

  2. Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China

    Cheng-wei Liang

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  1. Nai-hao Ye
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  2. Xiao-wen Zhang
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Correspondence to Nai-hao Ye.

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Ye, Nh., Zhang, Xw., Mao, Yz. et al. ‘Green tides’ are overwhelming the coastline of our blue planet: taking the world’s largest example. Ecol Res 26, 477–485 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-011-0821-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-011-0821-8

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