The Vertical Distribution of Attached Marine Algae in Malta

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Abstract
The distribution of the attached marine algae on vertical submarine cliffs on the south coast of Malta has been investigated by quantitative analysis of samples collected by aqualung divers. In these waters of oceanic clarity the upper 15 m of the sublittoral zone is dominated by brown algae; green algae are then the most important down to at least 75 m and red algae are important only in shade communities down to this depth. The transition from green to red species with reduced light intensity inside a submarine cave can be extrapolated to indicate a similar transition in unshaded communities at 80-90 m, below the range of the aqualung diver. Intensity rather than spectral composition of light seems to be the major factor controlling this vertical distribution of algae. The browsing of echinoderms is also important in reducing the total biomass of algae in the upper 15 m zone.

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