Effects of canopy and settlement density on the performance of the brown seaweed Fucus serratus germlings

Abstract

Effects of the settlement density of germlings and canopy on settled germlings of Fucus serratus were investigated on the rocky shore of the Isle of Man. The survival of transplanted germlings was mainly determined by parent canopy rather than by initial settlement density of germlings. However, germling growth was greater at low density than at high density and enhanced by canopy removal. Recruitment by natural propagules was stimulated at high settlement density and maximal recruits occurred on caged slides under the canopy. On the experimental slides, tiny snails and sedimentation were found. The number of snails was positively related with the settlement density of germlings indicating that they fed the germlings. Sedimentation and snail number were greater with canopy removal treatments than in canopy intact ones. These indicate that canopy sweeping gives benefits to germlings by removing sediment from substrata and protecting them from herbivores. In conclusion, the survival of settled F. serratus germlings is mainly determined by canopy sweeping and their growth is retarded in the presence of a canopy and at high settlement density.