Investigations of New England Marine Algae I: A Floristic and Descriptive Ecological Study of the Marine Algae at Jaffrey Point, New Hampshire, U.S.A.

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Abstract
The vertical distribution, seasonal occurrence and reproductive periodicity of the bethonic marine algae at Jaffrey Point, New Hamsphire, USA are described. The site is a semi-exposed, open coastal shore on Newcastle Island, which is 2 miles southeast of Portsmouth, New Hamsphire. A total of 125 taxa were collected during 4 yr of seasonal studies, including 59 Rhodophyceae, 33 Phaeophyceae and 33 Chlorophyceae. Several new records for the state are listed and a few extensions of range are given. [Sixteen taxa are newly recorded for the state, including 5 Rhodophyceae (Gymnogongrus crenulatus, Harveyella mirabilis, Leptophytum foecundum, L. laevae and Phymatolithon rugulosum), 4 Phaeophyceae (Laminariocolax tomentosoides, Myrionema corunnae, Petalonia zosterifolia and Sphacelaria arctica) and 7 Chlorophyceae (Capsosiphon fulvescens, Chlorochytrium cohnii, Codiolum gregarium, C. petrocelidis, Enteromorpha torta, Entocladia viridis and Prasiola stipitata).] The periods of occurrence and reproduction of many species differ strikingly from previous records. A large proportion of the green algae are annuals (76%), while a greater portion of the red (81%) and brown algae (61%) are perennials or pseudoperennials. Some species had prolonged periods of reproduction, while others had restricted periods. The full range of plant distribution at Jaffrey Point is described (-29.0 to +3.8m), according to the biological classification of Lewis (1964). The sublittoral zone at Jaffrey Point is dominated by red algae and kelps; relatively few species of green algae are present in this zone. About 41% of the plants were restricted to the sublittoral zone. The greatest number of species were found near mean low water (the lower eulittoral/sublittoral fringe contact area), with a decrease in species above and below this elevation.