An investigation into the taxonomy, distribution, seasonality and phenology of Laminariaceae (Phaeophyceae) in Atlantic Canada
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Date
2014
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
The Laminariaceae is one of eight families in the order Laminariales ( the kelps)
and most members occur in the northern hemisphere. A recent molecular study in
Atlantic Canada confirmed the presence of Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima
and a third genetic species, which was later attributed to S. groenlandica. This third
genetic species was likely overlooked in this region due to its morphological similarity
to L. digitata and S. latissima. The main objective of this thesis was to investigate the
taxonomy, distribution and seasonality of the Laminariaceae in Atlantic Canada and
verify the taxonomic identity of the North American genetic species attributed to S.
groenlandica. First, I clarified the taxonomic confusion surrounding the North
American genetic species attributed to S. groenlandica. I determined that the North
American genetic species currently attributed to S. groenlandica is correctly attributed
to L. nigripes; therefore, Saccharina nigripes (J. Agardh) C. Longtin et G.W. Saunders
comb. nov. was established and includes North American collections previously
attributed to S. groenlandica. Second, I utilized molecular tools to determine the
relative abundances of L. digitata, S. nigripes and S. latissima in differing habitats in the
Bay of Fundy intertidal zone. I determined that the digitate morphology of S. nigripes
can be the major contributor to Laminariaceae community structure at moderate and
wave-exposed sites in the Bay of Fundy; however, its abundance fluctuates depending
on the year. Third, I attempted to clarify the seasonality and phenology of the
Laminariaceae in the Maritime Provinces. Due to the morphological similarity of S.
nigripes to L. digitata and S. latissima previous literature on the seasonality and
phenology of S. latissima and L. digitata may have inadvertently included S. nigripes. Saccharina nigripes was rare at the study site in the year this study was performed and I
was unable to determine its seasonality and phenology. However, I did determine that
the seasonality and phenology of L. digitata and S. latissima in this region are consistent
with previous reports in Atlantic Canada, and the presence of S. nigripes is unlikely to
impact previous literature on the seasonality and phenology of L. digitata and S.
latissima.