Title of Project:
Macroalgae resource survey of the Taiping Island, Nansha (II)

Duration:
2021-2022 year 
Name of Principle Investigator:
Li-Chin Chou/ Assistant Research Fellow, Marine Ecology and Conservation Research Center, National Academy of Marine Research

Abstract of Project:
Taiping Island, the largest natural island amongst the Nansha or Spratly Islands, is home to rich marine biological resources in the coral reefs of its nearby waters. The majority of current research focuses on fish and invertebrates while distribution data of macroalgae in the intertidal zone are sparse, making it imperative to establish relevant biological data. Surveys of macroalgae biota conducted in the surrounding shores can be utilized to understand the importance of a biological census; therefore, it is necessary to investigate native species of macroalgae at the island’s shores.

Outcomes and Milestones:
In this study, a quarterly survey was conducted in July 2021, March and July in 2022, and a total of 3 seasons were collected for the number and coverage of macroalgae species in the intertidal zone of 6 sample areas in Taiping Island, Nansha. 76 species, 60 species of 36 families in 4 phylaums and 45 species in 24 families in 4 phylaums, and the data were analyzed statistically. There were 80 species in 4 phylaums and 40 families in total. The coverage of macroalgae was different in different areas, and Boergesenia forbesii was the most dominant species. Collect species and biological information in various areas in three seasons in two years, and complete the 80 common macroalgae species found in Nansha Taiping Island, hoping to increase people's understanding of macroalgae on Taiping Island. Next year, we will continue to search and compile the intertidal zone of Taiping Island in Nansha The biological information of macroalgae is used as a reference.

Figure 1. Blue algae - Brachytrichia quoyi (upper left), Green algae - Boergesenia forbesii (lower left), Brown algae - Turbinaria conoides (upper right), Red algae - Asparagopsis taxiformis (lower right) 

Figure 2. Shared species of macroalgae found in 6 sample sites at Nansha Taiping Island in 2021-2022

Figure 3. 80 Seaweeds of Taiping Island, Nansha Islands