Distribution of green algae micro-propagules and their function in the formation of the green tides in the coast of Qinhuangdao,the Bohai Sea, China

Since 2015, a novel green tide has been recurring in the coastal areas of Qinhuangdao at the western coast of the Bohai Sea in China, threatening the environment and ecosystem of the Beidaihe seaside holiday resort along the coast. Micro-propagules of the green algae including gametes, spores, micro-germlings and micro-vegetative fragments play an important role in the formation of green tides. They serve as a "seed source" of green macroalgae, and their distributions could reflect and influence the "algae source" of green tides. In this study,monthly surveys in the inshore and offshore areas of the Qinhuangdao coast were conducted from April to September 2016 and in January 2017 to investigate the tempo-spatial distribution patterns and the biomass variations of the green algae micro-propagules. The obtained results show that micro-propagules were mainly distributed in the inshore areas with a significantly decreasing abundance towards offshore areas. Their biomass was highest in July and August, and lowest in winter. The areas that were affected by the green tides showed a remarkably higher abundance of micro-propagules compared to other areas. These micro-propagules could serve as the "seed" source of green tides. Their distribution patterns indicate that the green tide in the coastal areas of Qinhuangdao originated locally.

The Distribution of Green Algal Micro-Propagules and Macroalgae at the Early Stage of Green Tide in the Coastal Area of South Jiangsu Province in 2014

An integrated investigation was carried out during late April to late May of 2014 in the coastal area of South Jiangsu Province to understand the early development of green tide in the Yellow Sea and discover the temporal and spatial distribution of green algal micro-propagules and macroalgae at the early stage of green tide. The results showed that green algal micro-propagules distributed in all stations from late April to late May, and micro-propagules of high density(> 300 ind. L^(-1)) concentrated in the adjacent Porphyra aquaculture area. Floating macroalgae were initially observed in the northern survey areas, and increased gradually. The dominant species was U. prolifera in the floating macroalgae, ranging between 90% and 100%. The seawater surface temperature and salinity in the above mentioned time period were suitable for the growth of macroalgae. This work can help government to strengthen management to reduce the blooms of macroalgae in the coastal area of South Jiangsu Province and also facilitate the decision-making for managers at the early stage of green tide.

The current situations of green macroalgae and micro-propagules in Pyropia aquaculture of the Subei Shoal in spring of 2013

To discover the distribution of green algal micro-propagules in the Subei Shoal and clarify the growth of green macroalgae attached on Pyropia aquaculture rafts,an integrated investigation in Pyropia aquaculture area and one cruise in the coastal area of the Subei Shoal were carried out from March to May in 2013.The results showed that green algal micro-propagules were discovered in seawater and sediment during March to May.The average quantity of micro-propagules was 267 ind./L in surface seawater and 43 ind./g in sediment.The biomass of attached green macroalgae increased in Pyropia aquaculture from March to May.Three species,including Ulva prolifera,Ulva linza and Blidingia sp.were found in Pyropia aquaculture rafts.The dominant specie was Blidingia sp.and the second was U.prolifera in spring.This study indicated that the micro-propagules and macroalgae were existed in the coastal area of the Subei Shoal at the early stage of green tide.This was the key point to the governance of green tide in China.

Tempo-spatial distribution of Ulva spp.micro-propagules in the Yellow Sea during and after green tide in 2019

Large-scale green tides occur frequently in summer in the Yellow Sea in recent decade.Micropropagules,providing“seeds”for the seaweeds,play an important role in the formation of green tide.We studied the distribution pattern and genetic composition of the Ulva micro-propagules in the Yellow Sea during and after the green tide in 2019.In April,a great amount of Ulva micro-propagules was detected in the Subei Shoal,with the average density of 908 inds./L,being similar to that of previous studies.U.prolifera was found out at a low percentage(4%),and 25%of them were positive when tested by the specific marker for the floating ecotype.The percentage of U.prolifera was obviously lower than that in the same season from 2009 to 2016.Therefore,the quantity of U.prolifera micro-propagules sharply decreased.Significant variation in composition of the micro-propagules in Subei radial sand ridges was revealed in the background of the alternation of macroalgal tides in the Yellow Sea in the latest years.During the green tide in June and July,Ulva micro-propagules were detected from some nearshore sites where the floating seaweeds distributed,and U.prolifera was the dominate species.In September,when the green tide ended,no Ulva micro-propagule was detected from the open sea area of the Yellow Sea.It is indicated that the green algae micro-propagules were unlikely to exist in the open water of the Yellow Sea for a long time according to the large-scale surveys.The mechanism of preserving micro-propagules in Subei radial sand ridges,and the destination of U.prolifera micro-propagules in the open sea area of the Yellow Sea after green tide deserves further study.

The Overwintering Capability of Ulva prolifera Spores and Gametes in the Yellow Sea,China

Green tides caused by the bloom of Ulva prolifera have affected the Yellow Sea annually since 2007.To explore the intrinsic causes of successive blooms,field investigations and indoor simulation experiments were conducted using micro-propagules of U.prolifera.From January to February 2014,micro-propagules of various green algae,including U.prolifera,Ulva flexuosa,and Ulva linza,were prevalent in the coastal waters of Rudong,Lianyungang,and Qingdao.However,in March 2014,micro-propagules of U.prolifera were not detected in the coastal waters of Lianyungang and Qingdao.Neither the spores nor gametes of U.prolifera can germinate at temperatures below 5℃.At 2℃and 5℃,U.prolifera spores and gametes could survive for 1-3 months at a light intensity range of 0-30μmol m^(-2)s^(-1)and for less than 1 month if the light intensity exceeded 30μmol m^(-2)s^(-1).By integrating indoor experiments and field investigations,this study found that U.prolifera spores and gametes could overwinter in the Rudong coastal area,which is an important factor for the annual emergence of recurring green tides in the Yellow Sea.