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Macroalgae in Tropical Marine Coastal Systems

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Seaweed Biology

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 219))

Abstract

Tropical coastal marine systems inhabited by macroalgae can typically be categorized as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, or mangrove forests. The role of macroalgae in these systems is fundamentally different from temperate systems, as other primary producers generally act as the dominant habitat providers. However, macroalgae do provide essential ecosystem services such as the reduction of nutrients, provision of food, and spatial refuge for predator and prey alike. In seagrass beds, they can be highly productive and may help to stabilize pH levels. Their role within mangrove systems is highly variable across regions and their contribution to trophic food webs and nutrient cycling is likely significant. Through competition and grazing, the biomass of macroalgae is reduced in most healthy tropical ecosystems. Macroalgae are a critical component of healthy tropical marine habitats; however, their unchecked growth can lead to complete regime shifts, thereby threatening the stability and welfare of the entire coastal system.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Experimental Ecology and Aquaculture, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Cracovia No. 1, 00133, Rome, Italy

    Astrid Y. Mejia

  2. Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA-Roatan), Bay Islands, Honduras

    Astrid Y. Mejia

  3. Molecular Genetics for Environmental and Fishery Resources Laboratory (GenMAP), Interdepartment Center for Research in Environmental Sciences, via Sant’Alberto, 163-48100, Ravenna, Italy

    Gregory N. Puncher

  4. Centre for Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of the Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal

    Aschwin H. Engelen

Authors
  1. Astrid Y. Mejia
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  2. Gregory N. Puncher
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  3. Aschwin H. Engelen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Astrid Y. Mejia .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Section Functional Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Christian Wiencke

  2. Marine Botany, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Kai Bischof

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Mejia, A.Y., Puncher, G.N., Engelen, A.H. (2012). Macroalgae in Tropical Marine Coastal Systems. In: Wiencke, C., Bischof, K. (eds) Seaweed Biology. Ecological Studies, vol 219. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-28451-9_16

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