The effect of encrusting bryozoans on the photosynthetic activity of Fucus serratus L.

A photosynthetic gradient along the fronds of the serrated wrack, Fucus serratus L. is described. Within the epifaunal communities associated with the fronds of F. serratus certain species are known to settle preferentially in the distal, less heavily encrusted, regions of the plant; thus a gradient in photosynthetic activity could provide an important mechanism by which the prospecting larvae of such species are able to discriminate between different regions along individual fronds. Photosynthesis is significantly depressed in F. serratus fronds which are heavily fouled by the fleshy encrusting bryozoans, Alcyonidium hirsutum (Fleming) and Flustrellidra hispida (Fabricius). Electra pilosa (L.), a calcareous opportunistic bryozoan, has a less marked effect on photosynthetic activity. The selective costs of dense epifaunal assemblages on their algal hosts are briefly discussed.