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Sargassum es un alga muy abundante y de fácil acceso en las zonas costeras, cuya composición química permite su uso como suplemento en dietas para gallinas de postura. México es el cuarto productor y el principal consumidor a nivel mundial de huevo y el huevo es de los alimentos más nutritivos debido alto contenido de proteínas y a sus propiedades multifuncionales. El objetivo fue evaluar si la incorporación de harina de Sargassum en la dieta de gallinas de postura Rhode Island mejora la calidad nutricional del huevo e incrementa el contenido de iodo. El estudio se realizó con 135 gallinas Rhode Island, distribuidas en 3 tratamientos: 0%, 3% y 6% de Sargassum. Diariamente se registró el consumo de alimento y producción de huevo, al finalizar el experimento se evaluó el peso, altura de albúmina, color de la yema, grosor del cascarón y se cuantificó el contenido de colesterol, triglicéridos y iodo. El color de la yema se incrementó conforme aumentó la concentración de Sargassum en la dieta, obteniéndose en el abanico de Roche un valor de 8.9 para el 6%, asimismo, se incrementó el peso del huevo. La concentración de colesterol en el huevo de las gallinas alimentadas con 6 % de Sargassum fue menor (226 mg/100 g) que en el resto de los tratamientos. No se encontró diferencia significativa en el sabor del huevo de las gallinas alimentadas con pienso enriquecido con Sargassum. Por lo que incorporar harina de Sargassum al 6% al pienso de las gallinas ponedoras es adecuado para incrementar el peso del huevo y el contenido de iodo, reducir la concentración de colesterol y favorecer la coloración de la yema, sin afectar negativamente las variables productivas, calidad física y sabor del huevo, por lo que se considera que el Sargazo tiene potencial para la industria avícola.

Metal concentrations in coastal zones are a critical study subject since anthropogenic activities surrounding these zones are increasing and affecting environmental concentrations of metals. Macroalgae have been used as biomonitors since they can act as indicators of metal concentrations in the water column. Tissue samples of three abundant macroalgae species (Spyridia filamentosa, Padina mexicana and Ulva ohnoi) were collected from three sites with different anthropogenic impacts at La Paz Bay and Guaymas Bay, Mexico, during three contrasting seasons (dry, rainy and cold) in the year 2016. Tissue concentrations of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The highest concentrations were found in S. filamentosa inhabiting both bays. The highest Cd and Mn concentrations were recorded in algae from La Paz Bay, while the highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe were recorded in algae from Guaymas Bay. Metal concentrations varied seasonally; the highest Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb levels were recorded in the cold season in algae from both bays. S. filamentosa concentrated more Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, while P. mexicana and U. ohnoi showed higher Mn and Cd. Therefore, S. filamentosa proved to be the most suitable indicator of metal concentrations, followed by P. mexicana and U. ohnoi. The high metal concentrations recorded in algae from San Juan de la Costa, La Paz Bay, are related to mining activities, whereas those in algae from Guaymas Bay are related to canneries, maritime traffic and others.

Rhizoprionodon longurio is an important commercial species captured in an area with heavy metal presence due to the mining waste from Santa Rosalia, Gulf of California, and levels of heavy metals in its muscle remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether contamination levels are below the limits allowed for human consumption and to prevent health damage. Concentrations of essential (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and non-essential (Ag, Cd, and Pb) trace elements were determined in fifty-seven muscle samples of R. longurio. The average concentrations of Fe Zn Cu Mn Cd Ag did not exceed the permissible limits for human consumption established by the Mexican norm, WHO, and FAO. The mineral daily ingestion was 0.10 to 0.53 % × 100 g of muscle, and the percentage of weekly consumption was 2.5 % to12 % concerning corporal weight. The meat from this shark can be consumed due to its low toxic potential for human health.

La presencia, distribución y abundancia de macroalgas están relacionadas con variaciones de los parámetros físicos y químicos; el incremento en su biomasa se vincula al enriquecimiento, por nutrientes, de las zonas costeras, por actividades antropogénicas. Los florecimientos macroalgales están conformados por especies de macroalgas efímeras de rápido crecimiento. En el presente trabajo, se describen los cambios en la composición y biomasa de florecimientos macroalgales en una laguna costera. Durante 3 épocas del año, lluvias (octubre de 2015), nortes (febrero de 2016) y secas (julio de 2016), se midieron variables fisicoquímicas en 5 sitios de la laguna El Carmen, Cárdenas, Tabasco; también, biomasa macroalgal (método de transectos-cuadrantes). Las diferencias en las variables fisicoquímicas y la biomasa, entre épocas y sitios, se estimaron mediante análisis de varianza; igualmente, se realizó un análisis de componentes principales (ACP). Se obtuvieron 7 especies importantes. La mayor biomasa total correspondió a Gracilaria blodgetti (4225.1 g) seguida de Acanthophora spicifera (794.6 g). Los florecimientos macroalgales se encontraron solamente en el sitio 1 y en el 5, y se observó que, dependiendo de la época y el sitio, varió la composición de especies y la biomasa. El ACP mostró que la biomasa macroalgal está relacionada con las variables fisicoquímicas, dependiendo de la especie. En la región, las actividades antropogénicas que se realizan alrededor de las lagunas costeras impactan a estas últimas, por lo que este tipo de estudios es de importancia en el monitoreo de la laguna. Este es el primer estudio sobre florecimientos macroalgales en la región.

Marine algae contain large amounts of bioactive compounds and dietary fiber; thus, when used as feed for poultry, they could be an alternative to improve intestinal integrity and reduce lipid serum concentrations. Few studies have assessed the prebiotic properties of this marine resource. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prebiotic effects of different concentrations of the green alga Ulva rigida as feed additive to enhance the morphology of intestinal villi and reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in chickens. One hundred and forty-one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomized to one of four treatments: 0, 2, 4, and 6% Ulva meal, respectively, including seven replicates of five broilers each, in a completely randomized design. The assay was run for 6 weeks. Body weight gain and carcass percentage were not affected by the treatment, but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality showed significant differences (p

Examining morphological and anatomical characters, eight bloom-forming Ulva species were identified from La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, Mexico. However, DNA sequencing, using a multi-gene approach (rbcL, ITS2 and tufA) revealed that, of the eight species, four species were genetically distinct, none of which belonged to the species they would have been ascribed based on morpho-anatomical observations. The Ulva lactuca and Ulva rigida morphotypes (blades two cells thick, unbranched, attached by a small discoid holdfast) corresponded to Ulva ohnoi; the Ulva intestinalis morphotype (tubular and smooth thallus, one cell thick) corresponded to Ulva tepida; the Ulva clathrata and Ulva flexuosa morphotypes (tubular to slightly compressed thallus) corresponded to Ulva torta. The Ulva acanthophora morphotype (more or less tubular, profusely branched) did not correspond molecularly to any currently described species. Attempts to sequence the remaining two species, morpho-anatomically identified as Ulva lobata and Ulva nematoidea, were unsuccessful. This study similarly highlights the high degree of cryptic diversity in the genus Ulva, provides a nomenclature adjustment for several species of the genus Ulva from northwestern Mexico and is the first to report U. ohnoi, U. tepida and U. torta for the region.

Coastal areas are of particular ecological and economic importance as they provide direct and indirect goods and services to society, both biological indicators and water quality assessment are of importance when monitoring these environments. Hydrographical parameters, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, and macroalgae biomass were measured, and the TRIX index was obtained, at three sites of La Paz Bay subjected to different types of anthropogenic influence: San Juan de la Costa (SJC), Casa del Marino (CM), and El Tecolote (TE), during two months of 2017 and four months of 2018. Also, macroalgae blooms at these sites were monitored by sampling the biomass of key species. Temperature showed the typical seasonal variation, from 21 °C in winter to 28 °C in summer, while salinity showed little variation (35–37 psu). Chlorophyll-a varied in parallel with changes in water temperature (0.3–2.4 μ g L−1), while nutrients varied depending on the season and site. The TRIX index showed significant differences between seasons, with the highest values in the warmer months (6.0) and the lowest in November (2.7); the sites studied ranged from mesotrophic to oligotrophic. Four macroalgae species accounted for over 60% of the biomass during the sampling period: Ulva ohnoi (16.1 kg), Spyridia filamentosa (6.5 kg), Acanthophora spicifera (4.2 kg), and Ulva sp. 1 (2.7 kg). Ulva, Gracilaria, and Hypnea species showed a positive significant correlation with nutrients and the TRIX index. A high macroalgae biomass may be related to a mesotrophic state, showing its value for determining the health status of coastal ecosystems and issuing proper management recommendations.

Ulvacean blooms are generally characterized by one or more Ulva species, some of which are common to blooms across a broad geographic range. In tropical environments the identified stimuli that induce reproductive development of Ulva are restricted to temperature, salinity, dehydration and fragmentation. Culture studies have been prolific in describing the reproduction of Ulva species, but its reproductive changes in natural environment have not been described yet. Hence, seasonal changes were described in reproductive stages and their relationship with biomass and environmental factors of Ulva species at four macroalgal blooms in a subtropical bay. Eight Ulva species were found: U. acanthophora, U. clathrata, U. flexuosa, U. intestinalis, U. lactuca, U. lobata, U. nematoidea and U. rigida. Reproductive stage and biomass varied according to site and season. Five species showed four reproductive stages (vegetative, thallus with fully differentiated zooids in formation and empty cells after zooids release); for the remaining species only vegetative thalli were found. Ulva rigida showed the highest biomass values, followed by U. acanthophora, following a seasonal pattern.

The Gulf of California (GC) is an unique large ecosystem characterized by its rich biodiversity, high biological productivity and endemism of marine life. However, as many other large ecosystems worldwide, it is subject to diverse anthropogenic pressures (overfishing, climate change, losses of biodiversity and habitats, and pollution). We reviewed over 150 studies dealing with contaminants in water, sediments and representative organisms from the GC, and here we discuss the main issues associated to the presence of metals, metalloids, persistent organic pollutants (POPs, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated diphenyl ethers (deca tri-a) (PBDEs), and several other pesticides), plastics, nutrients and algal blooms. The GC ecosystems have been subject to a wide range of pollution sources. Nevertheless, the pollution levels remain relatively low to moderate depending on the location and contaminant type. Contamination hotspots are found i) for metals and metalloids, in sites where mining spills have occurred and ii) for nutrients and pesticides, in wetlands that receive discharges from intensive agricultural and shrimp farming. We also identified sites where harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been observed. However, numerous coastal environments in GC, affected by pollution sources and events have yet been poorly studied. More detailed, extensive and comprehensive studies on the pollution levels and trends, transfer and toxic effects are still needed.

In La Paz Bay conspicuous macroalgal blooms of Ulva spp. are recurrent in the waterfront of the city; studies relate its growth to seasonality and nutrient enrichment but their relative influence is not known. We use the δ15N to discern amongst nitrogen sources at three sites with different substratum and anthropogenic activities. Ulva blooms were monitored monthly at San Juan de la Costa (SJC), Casa del Marino (CM) and El Tecolote (TE). Species presence varied between sites and months. At SJC Ulva displayed the highest signal of δ15N associated with fishing products and local mining wastewaters (19.5‰). CM showed isotopic values related to sewage waters (13‰). The δ15N of species at TE were the lowest. We found higher isotopic signatures than in other tropical/subtropical regions, associated with nutrient rich water masses. Ulva species can be used to trace and discern amongst different sources of nitrogen from natural or anthropogenic sources.

Background and Aims: In September 2001, the coral reef of the San Lorenzo Channel, La Paz Bay, Gulf of California, Mexico, was affected by the stranding of the oil tank vessel “Lázaro Cárdenas II”. Soon afterwards, hurricane “Juliette” hit the area with strong winds and water movement, disturbing the reef again. After that, three zones could be observed in the reef: one directly impacted by the shipwreck, one indirectly impacted by the hurricane, which moved and accumulated the coral debris left by the shipwreck, and the third one, which was not impacted. Later, a monitoring program was established to determine the degree of recovery of macroalgal assemblages in both impacted zones compared with the non-impacted one.Methods: From February 2005 to December 2007, macroalgae were collected seasonally by scuba divers in the three zones. In each zone, three to five thalli of all conspicuous algae, five rocks and five fragments of dead coral covered with macroalgal turfs were collected. Species number and composition of macroalgae assemblages were compared between zones and between years.Key results: A total of 117 species were found, 70 belonged to the phylum Rhodophyta, 25 to Ochrophyta-Phaeophyceae, and 22 to Chlorophyta. Macroalgal species richness and composition of the impacted zones were not different from the control zone, even between years.Conclusions: Macroalgal assemblages in the San Lorenzo Channel coral reef were able to recover, regardless of the modification of the substrate caused by the stranding and the hurricane “Juliette” in 2001. Therefore, it is important to implement monitoring efforts in case of anthropogenic or natural disturbance to document the extension of damage, recovery of the communities, and propose mitigation strategies if necessary.

The presence, distribution, and abundance of macroalgae are related to the fluctuations of physical and chemical parameters; the increase in macroalgae biomass is associated with nutrient enrichment of the coastal zones derived from anthropogenic activities. Macroalgae blooms are usually comprised of one or more ephemeral macroalgae species with rapid growth. In the present study, changes in the composition and biomass of macroalgae blooms of a coastal lagoon are described. Physicochemical variables were measured in 5 sites of El Carmen lagoon, Cárdenas, Tabasco in an annual cycle during 3 seasons, rainy (October, 2015), north winds (February, 2016), and dry (July, 2016). Macroalgae biomass was also measured using a transect-quadrat method. Differences in variables and biomass between seasons and sites were estimated with an ANOVA. In addition, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted in order to observe the relations between environmental variables and biomass. A total of 7 species were found to be important. The highest total biomass corresponded to G. blodgetti (4225.1 g), followed by A. spicifera (794.6 g). Macroalgae blooms were found only in sites 1 and 5, and their species composition and biomass varied depending on site and season. The PCA showed that macroalgae biomass was related to physicochemical variables depending on the species. In the region, the anthropogenic activities surrounding the lagoons heavily affect them; therefore, this type of study is important to monitor the lagoon. This is the first study of macroalgae blooms in the region. La presencia, distribución y abundancia de macroalgas están relacionadas con variaciones de los parámetros físicos y químicos; el incremento en su biomasa se vincula al enriquecimiento, por nutrientes, de las zonas costeras, por actividades antropogénicas. Los florecimientos macroalgales están conformados por especies de macroalgas efímeras de rápido crecimiento. En el presente trabajo, se describen los cambios en la composición y biomasa de florecimientos macroalgales en una laguna costera. Durante 3 épocas del año, lluvias (octubre de 2015), nortes (febrero de 2016) y secas (julio de 2016), se midieron variables fisicoquímicas en 5 sitios de la laguna El Carmen, Cárdenas, Tabasco; también, biomasa macroalgal (método de transectos-cuadrantes). Las diferencias en las variables fisicoquímicas y la biomasa, entre épocas y sitios, se estimaron mediante análisis de varianza; igualmente, se realizó un análisis de componentes principales (ACP). Se obtuvieron 7 especies importantes. La mayor biomasa total correspondió a Gracilaria blodgetti (4225.1 g) seguida de Acanthophora spicifera (794.6 g). Los florecimientos macroalgales se encontraron solamente en el sitio 1 y en el 5, y se observó que, dependiendo de la época y el sitio, varió la composición de especies y la biomasa. El ACP mostró que la biomasa macroalgal está relacionada con las variables fisicoquímicas, dependiendo de la especie. En la región, las actividades antropogénicas que se realizan alrededor de las lagunas costeras impactan a estas últimas, por lo que este tipo de estudios es de importancia en el monitoreo de la laguna. Este es el primer estudio sobre florecimientos macroalgales en la región. A presença, distribuição e abundância de macroalgas estão relacionadas a variações nos parâmetros físicos e químicos; o aumento de sua biomassa está ligado ao enriquecimento, por nutrientes, de áreas costeiras, por atividades antropogênicas. A floração de macroalgas é composta por espécies de macroalgas efêmeras de crescimento rápido. Neste artigo, são descritas as alterações na composição e biomassa da floração de macroalgas em uma lagoa costeira. Durante três épocas do ano: chuvosas (outubro de 2015), nortes (fevereiro de 2016) e secas (julho de 2016) as variáveis ​​físico-químicas foram medidas em cinco locais da lagoa de El Carmen, Cárdenas, Tabasco; também, biomassa de macroalgas (método de transeções-quadrantes). As diferenças nas variáveis ​​físico-químicas e na biomassa, entre estações e locais, foram estimadas por análise de variância; igualmente, foi realizada uma Análise de componentes principais (ACP), das quais foram obtidas 7 espécies importantes. A maior biomassa total correspondeu a Gracilaria blodgetti (4225,1 g) seguida por Acanthophora spicifera (794,6 g). As florações de macroalgas foram encontradas apenas nos locais 1 e 5, e observou-se que, dependendo do tempo e do local, a composição das espécies e a biomassa variavam. A ACP mostrou que a biomassa de macroalgas está relacionada a variáveis ​​físico-químicas, dependendo da espécie. Na região, as atividades antropogênicas realizadas ao redor das lagoas costeiras impactam essas últimas, de modo que este tipo de estudo é importante no monitoramento da lagoa. Este é o primeiro estudo sobre a floração de macroalgas na região.

The Gulf of California (GC) is a unique large marine ecosystem characterized by its rich biodiversity, high biological productivity and endemism of marine life, which are the basis of Mexico's most important fisheries. However, as many other large ecosystems worldwide, it is subject to diverse anthropogenic pressures (overfishing, losses of biodiversity and habitats, pollution, climate variability and climate change (CC)). We reviewed over 180 studies dealing with the impacts of CC and climate variability in the GC region. Main issues on the impact of ENSO events, acidification, sea level rise, and water availability are discussed for the GC in a global context. Impacts of ENSO events on the GC are geographically heterogeneous, upwelling tends to be suppressed, and this in turn influences the distribution and abundance of marine mammals, fishes, shrimps, benthic species, seaweeds and phytoplankton. ENSO events strongly impact small pelagic fishes, key components of the GC ecosystem, thus affecting fisheries in general as well as non-harvested species such as marine mammals and sea birds. Probably the most well-known phenomenon associated to ENSO impact in the GC is coral bleaching, a process by which corals expel most of their microalgal endosymbionts to become pale or white (bleached). Beside shifts in the distributional limits of benthic organisms, invasions of alien species are also occuring. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are common and recurrent in the GC. Fourteen HAB-forming species have been recorded, with Gymnodinium catenatum being the most frequent. HABs are inhibited by El Nino and promoted by La Nina. During El Nino events the size and biomass of macroalgal blooms tend to decrease. Finally, several aspects that require further research are proposed.

The wavy turban snail Megastraea undosa and keyhole limpet Megathura crenulata, two gastropods with commercial importance, five macroalgae, and one seagrass were collected at Bahia Tortugas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, for analysis of stable isotope ratios. The δ13C and δ15N isotope signatures obtained from gastropod muscle tissue were different between the two gastropods. Isotope signatures of M. crenulata had more enriched δ13C (-14.35‰ ± 1.66‰) and δ15N (15.48‰ ± 0.67‰) than M. undosa isotope signatures for δ13C (-17.59‰ ± 2.43‰) and δ15N (12.42‰ ± 0.61‰). Seaweed isotope signals varied from -21.8‰ to -11.4‰ for δ13C and 9.3‰ to 10.9‰ for δ15N. The δ13C of detritus was -7.93 and of tunicates was -9.3‰ and the δ15N of detritus was 12.4 and of tunicates was 8.1‰. Mixing models showed that the greatest contribution to the diet of M. undosa was from Prionitis cornea and Gelidium robustum. For M. crenulata, it was from detritus and Macrocystis pyrifera. A higher trophic position (3.1) was observed...

Stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) were used to assess differences in the diets of wild adult Haliotis fulgens and Haliotis corrugata. Temporal variations in the diets of these species were compared using specimens collected monthly during one annual cycle in Laguna La Bocana, whereas comparisons were made with samples taken in October 2012 in Bahia Tortugas. The two species of abalone have different feeding habits year round; H. corrugata showed a constant d15N pattern (between 9.5‰ and 10.4‰), whereas H. fulgens exhibited a seasonal δ15Npattern [the lowest frequency (9.5‰) occurred in September and the highest (11.8‰) in December], which might indicate that this species fed on the resources that were available at the time. The d13C pattern showed that Laguna La Bocana had depleted values in relation to Bahia Tortugas, indicating different carbon sources. The fact that the d15Npattern of abalone was below the known food sources (macroalgae), suggests the presence of other sources in the diet of adult ...

The diet of the keyhole limpet Megathura crenulata was determined from stomach contents of 119 specimens collected from 3 rocky reefs on the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, in July and November 2006 and March 2007. Limpet stomachs contained 78 taxa, including filamentous cyanobacteria, diatoms, brown and red algae, marine seagrass, foraminifera, hydrozoans, bryozoans, nematodes, bivalves, gastropods, crustaceans, and tunicates. The main food items (>10% index of relative importance) consumed by the limpet were a tunicate; red algae of the genera Callophyllis, Coralina, Cryptopleura, Nienburgia, Pterosiphonia, and Rhodymenia; the brown algae Cystoseira osmundacea; the hydrozoan Eudendrium; and the bryozoan Crisia. Despite the differences in composition and abundance of the main items among sites and dates, the food groups of tunicates and algae account for more than 80% index of relative importance of the diet. The trophic niche breadth (Levin's index) was 0.52 ± 0.20. Our fin...

blooms are highly productive ephemeral communities that occur in coastal systems, associated with nutrient enrichment. The objective was to estimate variations in succession, cover, recruitment and length of

A stomach content analysis was undertaken to determine the changes in the natural diet of the green abalone Haliotis fulgens as they relate to the 1997 to 1998 El Nino event at 2 sites along the central coast of the Baja California Peninsula. The index of relative importance of each identified food item was calculated, and Levins index was used to determine the breadth of the diet. A total of 20 macroalgal species, 1 seagrass species, and 4 invertebrate species were observed from March 1997 to July 1998. The main constituents of the diet of H. fulgens before the 1997 to 1998 El Nino were Macrocystis pyrifera, Phyllospadix torreyi, and Cystoseira osmundacea. During and after, the principal items were Sargassum sp., Spatoglossum howelli, Cystoseira osmundacea, Dictyota sp., Gelidium sp., and Phyllospadix torreyi. Diet breadth of abalone diet was greater during and after El Nino 1997 to 1998 than before. Our results show that green abalone diet varies with the availability of the food source; therefore, El Nino events caused a major shift in diet related to changes in the local algal flora.

Macroalgae blooms of Gracilaria vermiculophylla, Hypnea spinella and Spyridia filamentosa have been found in coastal lagoons in the SE Gulf of California. Agriculture, livestock, shrimp and poultry farms and sewage contribute anthropogenic nitrogen to the systems. The delta(15)N of these sources, water column and macroalgae were studied in order to identify the N supply for macroalgae blooms. delta(15)N of three species of macroalgae (4.3-13.6 per thousand) were enriched compared to the water column (delta(15)N-NO(3)(-) 3.7-6.8 per thousand), probably because of fractioning from the macroalgae. delta(15)N of POM (1.4-10.3 per thousand) was similar to the water column but the relationship was unclear. Depending on the site, macroalgae showed different delta(15)N values since some sites receive more or less influence from one given source of the associated watershed, which is reflected in the different delta(15)N values of the macroalgae of the same system and in the relative contributions of the sources.

Species composition and seasonal changes in macroalgal blooms in six coastal lagoons highly impacted by human activities were tracked for the three seasons between May 2004 and April 2005. Though temperatures were lower during the cold season than during the dry and rainy seasons and some locations showed variations in salinity during the rainy season, nutrient concentrations showed no defined pattern and varied according to season and location. A total of 10 seaweed species and the cyanobacterium Microcoleus lyngbyaceus had biomasses >1 g m-2 dry weight, but only four species represented >1% of the annual biomass. During the dry season, Spyridia filamentosa had the highest biomass (57.5 g m-2). During the rainy season, Gracilaria vermiculophylla was the most conspicuous and abundant species (64.0–291.0 g m-2) and during the cold season, Caulerpa sertularioides had the highest biomass (180.1 g m-2). Abundances of these species were higher than previously reported for this region. Correlation analyses showed a positive correlation between total phosphorus and the biomass of G. vermiculophylla, suggesting that this nutrient might be limiting its growth. C. sertularioides abundance had a positive correlation with N:P ratios, suggesting that high concentrations of nitrogen relative to low phosphorus levels favor its growth. These analyses revealed that nutrient concentrations are most likely to affect macroalgal growth, but temperature and salinity also play a role. This information may be useful for monitoring future blooms and determining changes over time.