The ecology and demography of the introduced macroalga Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
Information from this thesis provides a critical understanding of the environmental
factors that influence the growth and reproduction of different life stages of Undaria
pinnatifida in Port Phillip Bay. Such information is important towards understanding
the potential spread of this invasive species and may provide insight into methods that
can be used to limit its expansion in southern Australian waters.
In 1996 Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar (Laminariales: Phaeophyta) was found
growing in coastal waters of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia. Undaria pinnatifida
is an opportunistic colonizer capable of high rates of reproduction and fast growth
rates producing high density populations. It is the dominant macroalgal species at the
site of invasion during winter and spring and has the potential for further spread from
its current distribution in the northern part of Port Phillip Bay. This is the first in Australia examining the effects of temperature, nitrogen concentration, photon flux
density and photoperiod on germination of zoospores, gametophyte growth and
reproduction of U. pinnatifida in culture. Information on its recruitment, growth and
reproductive capacity in the field is also presented for the first time for a population Australia