1 The Occurrence of ((Green Tides" - a Review
R.L. FLETCHER
1.1 Introduction
The eutrophication, or nutrient enrichment, of coastal waters as a result of
man's activities is now widely recognized as a major, world-wide pollution
threat. Essentially, the increased anthropogenic source of inorganic plant
nutrients interferes with the natural annual nutrient cycles and can artifically enhance primary production during periods when activity is normally
low. This can have quite considerable ecological consequences for both
pelagic and benthic organisms. For example, phytoplankton activity will be
increased (Hoogweg et al. 1991) and, although this can be generally beneficial by increasing fisheries (Raymont 1947; Fonselius 1978; Elmgren 1989),
there is some evidence that it has resulted in the occurrence of some
phytoplankton blooms, both toxic and non-toxic, which have had serious
effects on local fisheries and leisure activities (Braarud 1945; Ruud 1968;
O'Sullivan 1971; Zou and Dong 1983; Rosenberg 1985; Kimor 1991). One
such bloom occurred in the northern Adriatic in 1988 when large quantities
of mucilaginous material was washed up on many tourist beaches (Degobbis
1989; Vukadin 1991). A number of authors have similarly speculated on the
possible relationship between eutrophication and the occurrence of toxic
blooms of microalgae in the North Sea (Cole 1972).
An increasing number of world-wide reports are also highlighting the
response of benthic algal communities to the impact of nutrients. Usually,
these refer to the occurrence of excessive growths of macro algae and the
resultant detrimental ecological and environmental consequences. Notably,
these excessive growths are largely comprised of green algae and, as
deposits on the shore line, are commonly termed "green tides". The present
paper examines the phenomenon of "green tides" and reviews aspects of
The Marine Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry
Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire POI ODG, UK
Ecological Studies, Vol. 123
Schramm/Nienhuis (eds) Marine Benthic Vegetation
© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelbel"g 1996
R.L. FLETCHER
1.1 Introduction
The eutrophication, or nutrient enrichment, of coastal waters as a result of
man's activities is now widely recognized as a major, world-wide pollution
threat. Essentially, the increased anthropogenic source of inorganic plant
nutrients interferes with the natural annual nutrient cycles and can artifically enhance primary production during periods when activity is normally
low. This can have quite considerable ecological consequences for both
pelagic and benthic organisms. For example, phytoplankton activity will be
increased (Hoogweg et al. 1991) and, although this can be generally beneficial by increasing fisheries (Raymont 1947; Fonselius 1978; Elmgren 1989),
there is some evidence that it has resulted in the occurrence of some
phytoplankton blooms, both toxic and non-toxic, which have had serious
effects on local fisheries and leisure activities (Braarud 1945; Ruud 1968;
O'Sullivan 1971; Zou and Dong 1983; Rosenberg 1985; Kimor 1991). One
such bloom occurred in the northern Adriatic in 1988 when large quantities
of mucilaginous material was washed up on many tourist beaches (Degobbis
1989; Vukadin 1991). A number of authors have similarly speculated on the
possible relationship between eutrophication and the occurrence of toxic
blooms of microalgae in the North Sea (Cole 1972).
An increasing number of world-wide reports are also highlighting the
response of benthic algal communities to the impact of nutrients. Usually,
these refer to the occurrence of excessive growths of macro algae and the
resultant detrimental ecological and environmental consequences. Notably,
these excessive growths are largely comprised of green algae and, as
deposits on the shore line, are commonly termed "green tides". The present
paper examines the phenomenon of "green tides" and reviews aspects of
The Marine Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Ferry
Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire POI ODG, UK
Ecological Studies, Vol. 123
Schramm/Nienhuis (eds) Marine Benthic Vegetation
© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelbel"g 1996