Carbon capture in Chondracanthus chamissoi (Gigartinaceae) algal meadows: a case study on the Peruvian coast
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v73i1.61403Keywords:
assimilation of carbon; blue carbon; red algae; sustainable extraction.Abstract
Introduction: Algal meadows can significantly contribute to carbon (C) capture; nevertheless, few studies on Peruvian coast reserves are available. Evaluation of these stocks allows proposing better measures for the sustainable use of these habitats and maintaining their ecosystem services.
Objective: To estimate biomass distribution and quantify the C captured as standing stock biomass in natural algal meadows of red algae Chondracanthus chamissoi on the Laguna Grande coastal lagoon (Ica-Peru), place of main extraction of these economically important algae.
Methods: To calculate the biomass, the area occupied by each patch of algae in each sampling zone was delimited and transects perpendicular to the coast were used in randomly located plots. In the laboratory, the dry biomass and C content were measured (the latter using an elemental analyzer).
Results: Monthly variation in the distribution and area was identified. September 2021 presented the highest total biomass (50 416.4 kg; 50.4 t) and C captured (13 t C or 47.58 t CO2) while from February to June no algal biomass was found. Differences were found in the biomass and C capture in the sampling zones, the months of C capture, and the interaction between these two variables. C capture decreases with warm months and more intensive anthropogenic extraction of algae.
Conclusions: This study highlights the interaction between the anthropogenic extraction of C. chamissoi and seasonal environmental changes, alongside the net contribution of macroalgal biomass.
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