Estudo comparativo da diversidade, distribuição e abundância de macroalgas vermelhas (Rhodophyta) na praia de Ponta d’Ouro e Praia do Farol na Ilha de Inhaca

Abstract

The coast of Mozambique is largely dominated by marine macroalgae, multicellular photosynthetic organisms that live attached to the substrate and play an essential role for both the marine environment and humans. In addition to providing habitat for various marine species, these macroalgae act as important primary producers and have significant economic value due to the use of their substances in sectors such as the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In southern Mozambique, brown and green macroalgae stand out.

This study aims to investigate the abundance, distribution and diversity of red macroalgae (Rhodophyta) on the beaches of Ponta d'Ouro and Farol, on Inhaca Island.

To this end, a systematic sampling method was used with transects and grids perpendicular to the coastline, carried out during the months of May and September, in both study areas. The results indicated that red macroalgae are distributed in the lower and upper eulittoral zones. Regarding diversity, the presence of three distinct families was observed in each area: in Ponta d’Ouro, Galaxauraceae, Kallymeniaceae and Pterocladiaceae; and on Farol beach, Delesseriaceae, Gelidiaceae and Gelidiellaceae. The abundance was highest for the species Hypnea musciformis, with 35 individuals/m2, followed by Jania adhaerens, with 30 individuals/m2 on both beaches. As for biomass, a higher average value was recorded at Farol da Ilha de Inhaca (23.23 ± 15.24 g/m2) compared to Ponta d’Ouro (20.23 ± 7.79 g/m2).(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)