Marine Algae Of The Northern Gulf Of California Ii

Few places in the world can claim such a diversity of species as the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), with its 6,000 recorded animal species estimated to be half the number actually living in its waters. So rich are the Gulf's water that over a half-million tons of seafood are taken from them annually—and this figure does not count the wasted by-catch, which would triple or quadruple that tonnage. This timely book provides a benchmark for understanding the Gulf's extraordinary diversity, how it is threatened, and in what ways it is—or should be—protected. In spite of its dazzling richness, most of the Gulf's coastline now harbors but a pale shadow of the diversity that existed just a half-century ago. Recommendations based on sound, careful science must guide Mexico in moving forward to protect the Gulf of California. This edited volume contains contributions by twenty-four Gulf of California experts, from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. From the origins of the Gulf to its physical and chemical characteristics, from urgently needed conservation alternatives for fisheries and the entire Gulf ecosystem to information about its invertebrates, fishes, cetaceans, and sea turtles, this thought-provoking book provides new insights and clear paths to achieve sustainable use solidly based on robust science. The interdisciplinary, international cooperation involved in creating this much-needed collection provides a model for achieving success in answering critically important questions about a precious but rapidly disappearing ecological treasure.

This is a complete, systematic treatment of the marine algae (seaweeds) flora of California. The 726 species treated are each illustrated by a detailed line drawing made from an actual specimen. The two authors have drawn upon their phycological research to offer a definitive representation of benthic marine algae from the Californian coast. The floristic treatment in this first paperback edition should aid accurate and speedy identification of flora due to the improved keys, descriptions, illustrations and more detailed coverage of taxa, and should enhance the reader's knowledge of Californian macro-algae.

The present treatment constitutes a taxonomic study of the benthic marine red algae known in the northern Gulf of California. In all, 380 species of Rhodophyta belonging to two subphyla were found: the Rhodophytina represented by 2 classes, 2 orders, 2 families, 7 genera, and 14 species; and, the Eurhodophytina represented by 2 classes, 5 subclasses, 19 orders, 45 families, 132 genera, and 366 species. Of the red algae 67 are endemic species. Along with the 133 species of Chlorophyta and Phaeophyceae in the northern Gulf (Norris 2010) there are now 512 benthic marine macroalgal species known in the northern Gulf. The systematic account includes the accepted taxon name, descriptions of the subphyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species of red algae presently known in the northern Gulf, with Keys to serve as a guide to their identification. Along with the current name for each species are its basionym, synonyms, type locality, relevant taxonomic studies, description, habitat, and distribution in the Gulf of California, and if applicable (i.e., not endemic) in the Eastern Pacific, Central Pacific, and/or Western Pacific. In addition to reviewing the taxonomic phycological literature pertinent to the Gulf of California and Pacific Mexico, several distribution extensions and new records are given. One new genus, one new subgeneric section, and eight new species are described. One new species name is given to replace an illegitimate name. Twenty-seven new combinations are made.

The present treatment constitutes a taxonomic study of the green and brown benthic marine algae currently known in the northern Gulf of California. In all, 133 species were found: 4 classes, 7 orders, 13 families, 20 genera, and 63 species of Chlorophyta and 9 orders, 15 families, 26 genera, and 70 species of Phaeophyceae. The systematic account is a guide to the identification of marine algae from the northern Gulf of California, with the accepted name, keys, and descriptions of the orders, families, genera, and species. The date, place, and author(s) of valid publication of each taxon are cited. The current name for each species is given along with its basionym, type locality, synonyms, relevant taxonomic studies, habitat, and distribution in the Gulf of California and in the Pacific Ocean. Illustrations are provided for most species. A remarks section includes additional information on taxonomy, nomenclature, ecology, and/or other problems or facts of interest. In addition to reviewing the taxonomic phycological literature pertinent to the Gulf of California and Pacific México, new records and distribution extensions are given. Four new sections of Sargassum subgen. Sargassum are proposed: S. sect. herporhizum E. Y. Dawson ex J. N. Norris, S. sect. johnstonii E. Y. Dawson ex J. N. Norris, S. sect. lapazeanum E. Y. Dawson ex J. N. Norris, and S. sect. sinicola E. Y. Dawson ex J. N. Norris; five new combinations are made: Desmarestia munda subsp. mexicana (E. Y. Dawson) J. N. Norris, Epicladia condensata (Setchell et N. L. Gardner) J. N. Norris, Epicladia mexicana (Setchell et N. L. Gardner) J. N. Norris, Hincksia bryantii (Setchell et N. L. Gardner) J. N. Norris, and Sargassum sinicola subsp. camouii J. N. Norris et Yensen. One new species, Sporochnus neushulii J. N. Norris, is described.