A simulation model for an Iridaea splendens (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) population in Vancouver, Canada

Abstract

Populations of Iridaea splendens at Brockton Point, Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada were observed to alternate in dominance between the gametophytic phase in summer and tetrasporophytic phase in winter. The mechanism regulating this alternation is not clear. Using a matrix projection model to simulate population growth, we show that this alternation is possible if there are differential survival and recruitment rates of the two phases in summer and winter. Sensitivity and elasticity analyses indicate the relative importance of perennation vs. recruitment. Recruitment from tetrasporophytes and from gametophytes both contribute about 25% to the population growth. Perennation among gametophytes is more important than among tetrasporophytes. The implication of this is that if this population is to be harvested, more tetrasporophytes can be harvested than gametophytes without resulting in the depletion of the resource. This is simulated in the matrix model by comparing the relative effects on population growth of increasing the mortality rate of the perennation phase of tetrasporophyte and gametophyte by 50 to 75%, and increasing recruitment rate in either phase, from summer to winter or from winter to summer.