Title

Mechanisms by Which Marine Algae Respond to Environmental Variables Affecting Reproductive Success

Investigators

Susan H. Brawley, Principal Investigator; University of Maine, OronoFollow

Additional Participants

Post-doc

Vladislav Speransky

Graduate Student

Mary Berndt
Richard Gordon

Undergraduate Student

Christine Black
Sarah Hansen
Jessie McDougall
Heidi Crachan

Organizational Partners

University of Birmingham
Carleton University

Project Period

February 1, 1997-January 31, 2001

Level of Access

Open-Access Report

Grant Number

9604848

Submission Date

1-25-2001

Abstract

Many marine species reproduce by external fertilization. This mode of reproduction might be expected to result in low levels of fertilization and recruitment because of the dilution of eggs and sperm by the turbulent sea. Recent work, however, demonstrates that fucoid algae (i.e., brown seaweed's that are important components of rocky, intertidal zones and estuaries) sense water motion and release eggs and sperm only when the sea is calm. Nearly 100% of their eggs are fertilized. The proposed experiments will determine how these algae sense water motion and whether similar responses are found in several other species that are harvested commercially or are important nuisance species. Studies of the reproductive tissues with electron microscopic and physiological techniques will establish the basis of the mechanical forces that expel eggs and sperm from adults and how these are blocked by high water motion. Field studies of natural communities in New England estuaries will complement the laboratory work. These studies will advance understanding of the mechanisms by which marine algae respond to environmental variables that affect reproductive success. This information should be useful to basic scientists, marine engineers, coastal zone managers, and mariculturists.

Rights and Access Note

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Recommended Citation

Brawley, Susan H., "Mechanisms by Which Marine Algae Respond to Environmental Variables Affecting Reproductive Success" (2001). University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports. 189.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/orsp_reports/189