Depth distribution and biomass of sublittoral seaweeds at the island of Helgoland in 2005

In 2005, the species composition and spatial distribution of the seaweed community were investigated in the frame of diving surveys along a sublittoral transect in the North of Helgoland that had been investigated ~40 years earlier by Lüning (1970). The cover of dominant brown seaweeds, Fucus serratus, Sargassum muticum, Laminaria digitata, L. hyperborea and Saccharina latissima, was semi-quantitatively assessed to define vegetation zones. Within each zone, all macroalgal species were estimated quantitatively in 3 to 6 random 1 m² quadrats. Additionally, a replicated biomass survey was performed at 6 depths (0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 m below mean low water spring tide). The survey investigated the occurrence, cover and relative frequency of the algae community and information about fresh mass and dry mass were obtained. For kelps also stipe length, blade area, blade fresh mass, age and fresh mass of epiphytes was recorded.