Detecting the intertidal morphologic change using satellite data

Previous research has suggested that competitive bottlenecks may exist for the Mediterranean grey mullets (Osteichthyes, Mugilidae) at the fry stage with the exotic Cyprinus carpio (Osteichthyes, Cyprinidae) playing a central role. As a consequence, the structure of grey mullet assemblages at later stages is thought to reflect previous competition as well as differences in osmoregulatory skills. This paper tests that hypothesis by examining four predictions about the relative abundance of five grey mullet species in 42 Western Mediterranean estuary sites from three areas (Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, Ebro Delta and Minorca) differing in the salinity level and occurrence of C. carpio. Field data confirmed the predictions as: (1) Liza aurata and Mugil cephalus were scarce everywhere and never dominated the assemblage; (2) Liza saliens dominated the assemblage where the salinity level was higher than 13; (3) Liza ramado always dominated the assemblage where the salinity level was lower than 13 and C. carpio was present; and (4) Chelon labrosus dominated the assemblage only where the salinity level was lower than 13 and C. carpio was absent. The catch per unit effort of C. labrosus of any size was smaller in the presence of C. carpio than where it had not been introduced, which is in agreement with the juvenile competitive bottleneck hypothesis. Discriminant analysis confirmed that the assemblage structure was linked to the salinity level and the occurrence of C. carpio for both early juveniles and late juveniles as well as adults. The data reported here reveal that the structure of grey mullet assemblages inhabiting Mediterranean estuaries is determined by salinity and competitive interactions at the fry stage.     

Lifespan mercury accumulation pattern in Liza aurata: Evidence from two southern European estuaries

Mercury accumulation throughout the lifespan of Liza aurata (Risso, 1810) was analysed in four tissues (muscle, gills, liver and brain) in two southern European coastal ecosystems with distinct mercury contamination. Specimens from four to five age classes were captured in two sampling sites in the Ria de Aveiro (Laranjo bay and Mira), a system historically contaminated by industrial mercury, and in one site in the Mondego estuary, assumed as a mercury-free ecosystem. Mercury concentration in all tissues was found to be significantly higher in the Ria de Aveiro (Laranjo bay) compared to the Mondego, in accordance with the environmental contamination (water, sediments and suspended particulate matter). Significant differences inside the Ria de Aveiro (between the Mira and Laranjo bay) were only detected in the liver. This tissue registered the highest levels of mercury (ranging from 0.11 to 4.2 μg g⁻¹) in all sampling sites, followed by muscle, brain, and gills. In all sampling sites and tissues was denoted a mercury dilution pattern along the lifecycle (except in liver at the Mondego, the reference area where the concentrations are always very low). An exponential trend was found in the metal age variation patterns in Laranjo (the most contaminated area) and a linear trend in the Mira and the Mondego (the least contaminated areas). Organic mercury concentration in muscle generally accounted for over 95% of total mercury concentration, and followed the same accumulation pattern of total mercury. This fish species is of lesser importance in mercury transfer to adjacent coastal areas and although the consumption of fish from Laranjo may present some risk for the humans, this risk decreases with fish age/size.     

Resource Partitioning Among Planktivorous Fish Larvae and Fry in a Mediterranean Coastal Lagoon

Resource partioning among the planktivorous stages of eight fish species occurring in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon was studied. Five species were migratory mullets that spawned in the sea (Liza ramada, L. aurata, L. saliens, Chelon labrosusandMugil cephalus), while the other three species were resident and spawned in the lagoon (Atherina boyeri, Cyprinus carpioandGambusia holbrooki).Mullet fry exhibited similar diets, based on the consumption of zooplanktonic Crustacea such as copepods and cladocerans, although adult chironomids were also important.Gambusia holbrookiandA. boyerifed on small prey such as copepod nauplii, copepodites and rotifers, whileC. carpioconsumed larger prey preferentially (cladocerans and copepods).According to the trophic overlap and niche width results, seven species pairs could be competing in the estuary, although further experimental evidence is still required.     

Photosynthesis,growth and survival of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica in response to simulated salinity increases in a laboratory mesocosm system

This study aims to examine the effect of increased salinity on the photosynthetic activity of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica in a laboratory mesocosm system. To do this, large rhizome fragments were transplanted in a mesocosm laboratory system and maintained at 37 (ambient salinity, control treatment), 39, 41 and 43 (hypersaline treatments) for 47 days. Pigment content, light absorption, photosynthetic characteristics (derived from P vs. E curves and fluorescence parameters), and shoot size, growth rates and net shoot change were determined at the end of the experimental period. Both net and gross photosynthetic rates of plants under hypersaline conditions were significantly reduced, with rates some 25–33% and 13–20% lower than in control plants. The pigment content (Chla, Chlb, Chlb:Chla molar ratio, total carotenoids and carotenoids:Chla ratio), leaf absorptance and maximum quantum yield of PSII (F_v/F_m) of control plants showed little or no changes under hypersaline conditions, which suggests that alterations to the capacity of the photosynthetic apparatus to capture and process light were not responsible for the reduced photosynthetic rates. In contrast, dark respiration rates increased substantially, with mean values up to 98% higher than in control leaves. These results suggest that the respiratory demands of the osmoregulatory process are likely to be responsible for the observed decrease in photosynthetic rates, although alterations to photosynthetic carbon assimilation and reduction could also be involved. As a consequence, leaf carbon balance was considerably impaired and leaf growth rates decreased as salinity increased above the ambient (control) salinity. No significant differences were found in the percentage of net shoot change, but mean values were clearly negative at salinity levels of 41 and 43. Results presented here indicate that photosynthesis of P. oceanica is highly sensitive to hypersaline stress and that it likely account for the decline in leaf growth and shoot survival reported in this and previous studies in response to even small increments of the ambient salinity.     

Influence of an altered salinity regime on the population structure of two infaunal bivalve species

Hydrological alterations in watersheds have changed the flows of freshwater to many nearshore marine environments. The ensuing alterations to the salinity environment of coastal waters may have implications for species distribution. This study describes the response of two common bivalves to a modified salinity environment imposed by freshwater inputs from a hydroelectric power station in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand. Populations of Austrovenus stutchburyi and Paphies australis inhabiting river deltas near the outflow of the power station in inner Doubtful Sound were more than an order of magnitude smaller in abundance than populations in neighbouring Bradshaw Sound where the salinity regime is unaltered. In addition, there was a lack of small size classes of both species in inner Doubtful Sound, suggesting that these populations are unsustainable over the long term (10–20 years). Laboratory experiments demonstrated that sustained exposure (>30 days) to low salinity (<10) significantly decreased bivalve survivorship; however, both species survived periods of exposure to freshwater up to at least 20 days in duration if followed by a period of return to normal seawater salinity. Examination of the extant salinity regime in light of these results indicates the current salinity environment in Doubtful Sound restricts bivalves to deeper waters (5–6 m depth). The observed discrepancy in the total biomass of these active suspension feeders between altered and control sites has potential implications for the flux of organic matter in the food webs of Fiordland's shallow soft sediment communities.     

盐度对绿鳍马面鲀存活、抗氧化酶及组织结构的影响

绿鳍马面鲀(Thamnaconus septentrionalis)作为中国沿海新兴网箱养殖种类, 在夏季多雨季节会经历盐度剧烈变化的过程, 因而探明盐度对绿鳍马面鲀存活和生理指标的影响, 对开展网箱养殖具有重要意义。本研究首先测定了绿鳍马面鲀的96 h半致死盐度, 随后分别设置低盐组(15)和高盐组(40), 分析盐度胁迫不同时间后生理指标的动态变化规律, 观察肝脏、鳃和肾脏的组织结构改变。结果显示, 绿鳍马面鲀96 h半致死低盐度为10.74, 半致死高盐度为42.95。低盐组和高盐组鳃Na⁺-K⁺-ATP酶活呈上升趋势, 且高于对照组, 在96 h时各组差异性显著(P<0.05)。低盐组和高盐组肝脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性均表现为先上升、后下降的趋势, 在96 h时均低于对照组; 谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)活性呈先下降后上升的趋势, 在96 h时低盐组显著低于高盐组(P<0.05)。低盐组和高盐组肝脏丙二醛(MDA)含量在96 h达到最大值, 且显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。组织切片显示, 低盐组和高盐组肝细胞出现空泡和细胞核固缩的现象, 且高盐组更为严重; 鳃丝上皮细胞排列紊乱、细胞坏死, 低盐组鳃丝变宽, 鳃小片变长, 高盐组鳃丝萎缩, 鳃小片间距变大; 肾组织低盐组出现肾小管管腔扩张、肾小囊腔膨大, 高盐组出现肾小管和肾小球坏死的现象。本研究探究了盐度对存活、抗氧化酶及组织结构的影响, 可为绿鳍马面鲀健康养殖提供理论支持。     

Comparison between amphipod assemblages associated with Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea and those of other Mediterranean habitats on soft substrate

The spread of the invasive alga Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea in shallow-water habitats can present different faunal assemblage composition. We compared the amphipod assemblages associated with C. racemosa and natural habitats found on shallow-water Mediterranean soft substrata. Four vegetated habitats were compared: C. racemosa, Caulerpa prolifera, Cymodocea nodosa and Posidonia oceanica with unvegetated substrata. Samples were collected during two sampling periods (September 2004 and March 2005). A total of 63 amphipod species were recorded. The results showed that the vegetated habitats sampled, including C. racemosa stands, supported a higher abundance and species richness of amphipods. Furthermore, the assemblage structure differed between the different habitats, while the abundance of some species was significantly different, depending on habitat. For example, Microdeutopus obtusatus was favoured by C. racemosa habitat; Ampelisca diadema was associated with C. prolifera beds; and Hyale schmidti was more abundant in P. oceanica meadows. Habitat invasion by C. racemosa can exert an important influence on biotic assemblages, modifying habitat structure and associated fauna.     

In situ experimental study of reed leaf decomposition along a full salinity gradient

An experimental study on Phragmites australis leaf litter decomposition was conducted in the estuarine environment, Ria de Aveiro, Western Portugal, using the leaf-bag technique, with fine- (1 mm) and coarse-mesh (5 mm) bags. The leaf bags were placed in the field sites at day 0, covering a complete salinity gradient, and replicates were collected over time, at days 3 (leaching), 7, 15, 30 and 60. The biomass loss through the leaching phase, about 20% of the initial leaf mass, was independent of both the salinity and the bag mesh size. The biomass decay pattern along the salinity gradient varied through time and presented strong similarities between the two mesh sizes, with the remaining biomass always lower in the 5 mm mesh-size bags. At days 7 and 15, the lowest remaining biomass was observed at the head of the estuary, the preferential distribution area of P. australis. At day 30, the remaining biomass was higher in the marine area and diminished under a direct relationship with salinity, reaching the lowest value in the freshwater environment, with values ranging from 66% to 44% of the initial weight in 5 mm bags, and from 79% to 51% in 1 mm bags. The largest heterogeneity in the remaining biomass among the study areas positioned along the salinity gradient was found close to days 30 (5 mm) and 40 (1 mm). The overall results indicate that the relationship between leaf decay rate and salinity depends on the decay time considered (k₁₅, k₃₀ or k₆₀) and, for the later stages (k₆₀), also on the leaf-bag mesh size. This implies that the use of leaf litter decay rates as a functional indicator in transitional waters will need to take into consideration the factor location in the salinity gradient and leaf litter stage at which the decay rate is determined. The differences between the decay rates with the mesh size acted mainly at the level of the absolute k value and not at the level of the pattern along the salinity gradient. Even so, the data obtained at the mouth of the estuary, in the area closest to a fully marine environment, indicated that after the initial biomass loss through leaching, P. australis decayed either very slowly, in the 5 mm, or not at all, in the 1 mm mesh bags.     

光照和盐度对浒苔类胡萝卜素生物合成的影响

浒苔是一种在“绿潮”灾害中主要参与的绿藻。类胡萝卜素的生物合成是一种维持藻类正常生命活动非常重要的基本的萜类代谢活动。在本研究中,我们首次报告了浒苔2-C-甲基-D-赤藓糖醇4-磷酸（MEP）途径中所有基因的完整序列,这是浒苔中唯一的类胡萝卜素合成途径。随后,我们将这些基因序列与其他物种进行了比较。此外,通过检测三种不同的光照（1 000 lx,5 000 lx和12000 lx）和盐度（12‰,24‰和40‰）培养条件下的类胡萝卜素含量和参与此代谢的关键基因的表达水平差异,我们发现浒苔类胡萝卜素的合成可能受光照和盐度的影响,低光照和高盐度可以促进类胡萝卜素的合成。本研究结果表明：浒苔MEP途径和下游途径中涉及的基因可以在分子水平影响其类胡萝卜素的生物合成。本研究有助于更好地了解这些参与浒苔类胡萝卜素生物合成基因的作用以及环境对这些基因的调控。     

Rearing in intermediate salinity enhances immunity and disease-resistance of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

Studies were conducted to investigate the non-specific immune responses and disease-resistance of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus,cultured at four different salinities(8,20,32 and 40) . Three concentrations(3.75 × 10 7,3.75 × 10 8 and 3.75 × 10 9 CFU/ml) of Vibrio anguillarum suspension were employed at each salinity to determine the 4-day LD 50 . The serum lysozyme activity,the alternative complement pathway activity(ACH50) and the phagocytosis percentage of head kidney in turbot were tested at 24,48 and 72 h post-challenge of V. anguillarum(1.1 × 10 8 CFU/ml,0.1 ml) ,respectively,to evaluate the non-specific immune responses at the selected rearing salinities. Fish reared at salinity 20 had the lowest mortality,namely,the highest 4-day LD 50 value(8.88 ± 0.17) . Besides,the lysozyme activity,ACH50 and the phagocytosis of turbot were the highest at the salinity 20,but with the lowest at the salinity 40 treatment regardless of sampling time. In addition,the non-specific immune activities kept increasing within 72 h post-challenge of V. anguillarum,except that the lysozyme activity increased from 24 to 48 h,and then decreased from 48 to 72 h at 40 significantly. These results together indicate that rearing in intermediate salinity(20) was able to enhance the immunity and disease-resistance of turbot.     

Influence of combined changes in salinity and copper modulation on growth and copper uptake in the tropical green macroalga Ulva reticulata

The influence of salinity on growth and Cu uptake in the green macroalga Ulva reticulata collected from the intertidal area in the Western Indian Ocean was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. Exposure concentrations ranged from 5 to 500 μg Cu l⁻¹ at five salinities (ranging 20–40). The accumulation of Cu increased with decreasing salinity, so that the uptake at 500 μg Cu l⁻¹ was approximately 2.7, 2.4 and 2.0 times higher at salinities of 20, 25, and 30 respectively, than uptake at salinity of 35, and with uptake being lowest at salinity of 40. Ulva maintained a positive growth rate over the whole salinity range (20–40), with highest rates at salinity of 35. When exposing to Cu at low salinities (20 and 25), the growth rate of Ulva was strongly inhibited suggesting an increase in toxicity of Cu with decreasing salinity. EC50 and NOEC increased with increase in salinity, implying a reduced Cu toxicity at high salinities. It was concluded that salinity needs to be considered when using macroalgae, such as U. reticulata, as a bioindicator of heavy metals in areas with heavy rainfall, underground fresh water intrusion or in estuaries, as they might accumulate more metals and be more negatively affected.     

In situ experimental decomposition studies in estuaries: A comparison of Phragmites australis and Fucus vesiculosus

The decomposition rates of Phragmites australis and Fucus vesiculosus were experimentally determined in an estuarine system using the leaf-bag technique. The study was conducted in fifteen sites arranged in five areas, extending from freshwater, outside the tidal range, to the marine environment, near the mouth of the estuary. The leaf-bags (5 mm mesh), were set up with 3.0 g of dried substrate, submerged in the experimental sites at day 0 and collected at days 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60, to follow biomass loss. The biomass loss through the leaching phase (day 3) was about 16% for Phragmites australis and 33% for Fucus vesiculosus and was independent of salinity for both substrates. The difference in the remaining biomass between the two species increased with time and the decomposition rates differed along the salinity gradient. For F. vesiculosus, the decomposition rate was highest near the mouth of the estuary, corresponding to the preferential distribution area of the algae, and decreased towards freshwater. For Phragmites australis, the fastest decay was observed in the mid estuary, where Phragmites australis occurs naturally, confirming previous studies. The decomposition rates measured at different time intervals (0–15, 0–30 and 0–60 days) were always higher for the algae and decreased with time for both species. These results indicate that the use of decomposition rates as a measure of ecosystem integrity or quality status in transitional waters will not be straightforward and must take into account, among others, the test species, the study area positioning along the estuarine gradient, and the time interval for the calculation of the decomposition rate.     

盐度对瘤背石磺幼贝存活、生长性能和肌肉生化成分的影响

为探讨盐度对瘤背石磺(Onchidium struma)幼贝生长和肌肉生化成分的影响,用不同盐度水平(5、15、25、35和45)的人工海水饲养瘤背石磺幼贝[干质量(2.96±1.02)g]60 d后测定瘤背石磺生长性能和肌肉营养成分。结果显示:(1)瘤背石磺在盐度25~45时生长良好,成活率在90%以上。同时,在盐度25时增重率、特定生长率和蛋白质效率均显著高于其余各盐度组(P0.05),而饲料系数也显著降低(P0.05)。(2)随着盐度的升高,瘤背石磺肌肉水分显著降低(P0.05),粗灰分呈先下降后上升趋势,但对肌肉钙和磷含量影响差异不显著(P0.05);粗蛋白含量在盐度25时最高,为76.66%,而粗脂肪在高盐度时呈显著上升趋势(P0.05),分别在盐度25和45时含量最低和最高。(3)除了谷氨酸、天门冬氨酸和脯氨酸等呈味氨基酸受盐度影响差异显著外,大多数氨基酸均随着盐度升高呈现先上升后下降的趋势,且在盐度25最高,但差异不显著。(4)盐度对于每一种脂肪酸的影响均差异显著,在盐度5至35范围内,n-3 PUFA和n-6 PUFA均呈现上升趋势,但n-3 PUFA/n-6 PUFA值也逐渐升高。与大多数海水贝类不同的是,瘤背石磺DHA含量远低于EPA。试验结果表明,盐度对瘤背石磺生长性能以及肌肉生化成分有显著影响,适宜的盐度可改善瘤背石磺的肌肉品质和风味。     

Nursery areas of red mullet (Mullus barbatus), hake (Merluccius merluccius) and deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) in the Eastern-Central Mediterranean Sea

The spatial pattern of the nursery areas of red mullet (Mullus barbatus), hake (Merluccius merluccius) (Linnaeus, 1758) and deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) (Lucas, 1846) was studied in the South Adriatic and North Ionian Seas (Eastern-Central Mediterranean) applying geostatistical techniques and data from time series trawl surveys conducted in the area. The analysed variables were: R (number of recruits/km²) and R/Tot (fraction of recruits on the total sampled population). The structural analysis showed a spatial pattern of both variables characterized by continuity on a small scale. Predictions of nursery area localization with probability of finding recruits at different threshold values were obtained through median indicator kriging. For the red mullet the nurseries were mainly identified in the South Adriatic Sea off the Gargano peninsula and between Molfetta and Monopoli within 50 m in depth. The main concentration of hake juveniles was found to be between 100 and 200 m in depth along the Gargano peninsula and between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca, where a nursery of deep-water rose shrimp was also detected. An overlapping depth, between 100 and 200 m, was identified for hake and deep-water rose shrimp nurseries. Protection of these areas through limitations of fishing pressure is discussed.     

盐度和体质量对半滑舌鳎标准代谢率的影响

采用流水式呼吸仪测定了不同体质量的半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)在盐度为16.43～33.62条件下的标准代谢率.结果表明:各个盐度下的标准代谢率与体质量呈正相关,而单位体质量标准代谢率与体质量呈负相关;标准代谢率与体质量之间的关系可用幂函数Rs=aM<'b>表示.不同盐度下,标准代谢率的组间...     

花鲈Claudins基因家族的鉴定、进化分析及对环境盐度的表达响应

Claudin (cldn)是细胞间紧密连接蛋白的重要功能和结构组件,通过控制细胞旁通路通透性参与渗透压平衡的调节。本研究对花鲈(Lateolabrax maculatus)cldns基因家族进行了系统的鉴定分析,结果表明:花鲈cldns基因家族共包含55个成员,分布于16条染色体上,其中34个cldns基因在哺乳动物体内有对应直系同源基因,其余21个cldns是硬骨鱼所特有。选择压力分析显示预测的花鲈cldns蛋白的跨膜区域存在14个受正选择作用的氨基酸位点,这些正选择位点可能与家族内基因的多样性和功能分化有关。此外,基于花鲈鳃转录组的基因表达结果表明,至少有24个cldns基因在鳃中表达,其中cldn8c、cldn10b、cldn10c、cldn10d、cldn27a和cldn30b在不同环境盐度处理后表达差异显著,表明其可能是花鲈鳃组织中调节渗透压平衡的候选功能基因。本研究成果为研究花鲈及其他广盐性鱼类cldns基因家族成员的渗透调节机制奠定了理论基础。     

富营养化和海水盐度对日本鳗草生物量和碳氮含量的协同影响

营养盐和盐度对海草的生长和生理都具有重要影响,但二者对海草的协同作用还未见报道。本研究以日本鳗草(Zosterajaponica)为对象,在室内可控条件下进行营养盐和盐度对日本鳗草的协同影响研究。实验结果显示,营养盐和盐度对日本鳗草地上生物量、地上部分C含量、地下部分C含量均有显著的协同影响。日本鳗草组织中的营养盐含量(Nt)与盐度有显著相关性,但并未受到营养盐和盐度的协同影响。营养盐和盐度会协同影响海草的固碳能力,并同时影响其对硝酸盐的吸收。     

Distinctive stable isotope ratios in important zooplankton species in relation to estuarine salinity gradients: Potential tracer of fish migration

To assess the potential of stable isotope ratios as an indicator of fish migration within estuaries, stable isotope ratios in important zooplankton species were analyzed in relation to estuarine salinity gradients. Gut contents from migratory juveniles of the euryhaline marine fish Lateolabrax japonicus were examined along the Chikugo River estuary of the Ariake Sea, which has the most developed estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) in Japan. Early juveniles in March and April preyed primarily on two copepod species; Sinocalanus sinensis at lower salinities and Acartia omorii at higher salinities. Late juveniles (standard length > 40 mm) at lower salinities preyed exclusively on the mysid Acanthomysis longirostris until July and complementarily on the decapod Acetes japonicus in August. These prey species were collected along the estuary during the spring–summer seasons of 2003 and 2004, and their carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) were evaluated. The δ¹³C values of prey species were distinct from each other and were primarily depleted within and in close proximity to the ETM (salinity < 10); S. sinensis (−26.6‰) < Acanthomysis longirostris (−23.3‰) < Acartia omorii (−21.1‰) < Acetes japonicus (−18.5‰). The overall gradient of δ¹³C with salinity occurred for all prey species and showed minor temporal fluctuations, while it was not directly influenced by the δ¹³C values in particulate organic matter along the estuary. In contrast to δ¹³C, the δ¹⁵N values of prey species did not exhibit any clear relationship with salinity. The present study demonstrated that δ¹³C has the potential for application as a tracer of fish migration into lower salinity areas including the ETM.     

Deep-water stands of Cystoseira zosteroides C. Agardh (Fucales,Ochrophyta) in the Northwestern Mediterranean: Insights into assemblage structure and population dynamics

Populations dominated by Cystoseira zosteroides, an endemic and threatened Mediterranean seaweed, colonize deep-water rocky habitats down to more than 50 m depth. Assemblages dominated by this species display high algal and invertebrate species richness. Algal biomass averages 1134 g dw m⁻². Erect and turf algae account for only 25% of total algal dry weight, while encrusting corallines are responsible for the remaining 75%. Sponges, bryozoans and ascidians constitute the dominant sessile macrofauna. Cystoseira zosteroides is the dominant erect algae, with a mean biomass of 60.6 g dw m⁻², and densities ranging from 4 to 7 plants m⁻². The alien turf alga Womersleyella setacea has a biomass of 104.2 g dw m⁻² and covers most of the understory substrate. The size-frequency distribution of C. zosteroides populations shows differences over time. Mean annual growth of the main axis is around 0.5 cm and mean annual mortality rate is lower than 2%. Recruitment was almost nil during the studied period of time (10 years). Processes structuring these deep-water Cystoseira stands must be driven by episodic disturbances, after-disturbance recruitment pulses, and long periods of steady growth that last at least 10 years. However, it is also possible that recruitment is irreversibly inhibited by the alien alga W. setacea in which case these old-growth stands are faced with extinction. The highly diversified assemblages and the low growth and low mortality rates of C. zosteroides indicate high vulnerability to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and call for effective measures to ensure their conservation.