Distribution of macroalgal community and environmental effects in Yangma Island, Yantai, Shandong Province, China

Distribution of macroalgal community was investigated monthly in the intertidal zone of Yangma Island, Yantai, Shandong Province, China during April 2010 to March 2011. Macroalgae sampling was conducted at two sites (A and B) along Yangma Island coastline. The relationships between macroalgae species composition and biomass and environment variables were studied. In total, 35 macroalgae species were identified, including 24 Rhodophyta (68.6% of the total number), 6 Chlorophyta (17.1% of the total number) and 5 Phaeophyta (14.3% of the total number). Brown algae and green algae dominated in summer, and red algae and brown algae dominated in other seasons. Sargassum thunbergii was the dominant species all the year. The biomass of macroalgae was higher in summer and lower in winter. The highest biomass of macroalgae was observed in June. The lowest biomass of macroalgae was observed in January at A sampling site and in November at B sampling site with the characters of macroalgae in the temperate seas. Seawater temperature, nutrients and pH could have significant effects on the variations of macroalgae biomass in the Yangma Island intertidal zone.