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Abstract:
The invasive rhodophyte Grateloupia turuturu is a large perennial alga, discovered first in Narragansett Bay (Rhode Island) in 1994 and subsequently in the Long Island Sound estuary. The alga's low intertidal to shallow subtidal distribution overlaps that of the native Chondrus crispus. Our field measurements suggest that physical disturbance may promote increased substrate cover by G. turuturu. Molecular quantification of spore abundance suggests G. turuturu produces fewer spores, which also disperse shorter distances than spores of C. crispus. However, sporelings of G. turuturu grew faster than those of C. crispus at all environmentally relevant light levels, salinities and temperatures tested. In addition, the temperature tolerance of G. turuturu sporelings was broader; C. crispus sporelings died just after germination at 30°C; whereas, those of G. turuturu survived. The results have implications for community shifts as coastal waters continue to warm into the future.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Funding was provided by Connecticut Sea Grant College Program (Grant No. NA06OAR4170072) to C. Yarish, R.B. Whitlatch, G.P. Kraemer and S. Lin. Thanks to Dr. M. Keser, J. Foertch and J. Swenarton (Millstone Environmental Laboratory, Dominion Power) and R. Gladych, D. Parker, V. Sherlock, N. Blaschik and A. Houk for field and lab assistance. Taxonomic assistance was provided by C. Schneider. Special thanks to N. Balcom, CT Sea Grant College Program.