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PRELIMINARY REPORT ON TRANSPLANTING
OF THE BENTHIC GREEN ALGA
CAULERPA PROLIFERA
Peter J. Bottone
Robert A. Mattson
Mangrove Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 290197
Tampa, Florida 33687
ABSTRACT
The benthic green alga Caulerpa prolifera (Chlorophyta: Siphon-
ales)  is frequently found in Tampa Bay seagrass       beds,  and forms
extensive monospecific stands in some parts of the Bay.          Per the
requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, an
experimental   transplanting project was designed and implemented in
conjunction with the maintenance dredging of the MacDill Air Force Base
marina entrance channel.     Three plots of transplanted material were
established using 20 cm square mats of Caulerpa installed on centers of
approximately 0.3 m, 0.6 m and 1.0 m.       Persistence and survival of
transplanted material was 85-90% (estimated) ten days following
transplanting.   Five months later, survival     was  100% of material
installed on 0.3 m centers, 79% of material on 0.6 m centers, and 72%
of material on 1.0 m centers.    Results suggested that transplantation
of this alga is both feasible and cost-effective.    The ease with which
transplantation can be accomplished has two principal applications:
(1) this plant can be used to vegetate submerged areas quickly and in a
cost-effective manner; and (2) transplantation of this alga can be
employed to test hypotheses regarding the role that it may play as an
early successional precursor to seagrass colonization or its possible
competition with seagrasses.
INTRODUCTION
Siphonaceous green algae are benthic, rhizophytic algae which are
important components of subtropical and tropical submerged macrophyte
communities. However, their ecological roles are poorly characterized.
Their level of primary production may be comparable to that of sea-
grasses (Zieman & Wetzel 1980).     In tropical areas, preliminary data
suggest they may behave as pioneer species, initially colonizing bare
substrate and preparing the area for subsequent colonization by
seagrasses (Zieman 1982).   Caulerpa prolifera (Chlorophyta: Siphonales)
is a common component of Tampa Bay seagrass beds, and forms some large
monospecific stands in parts of the Bay. In particular, a large stand
exists along the southern shore of the Interbay peninsula in the
vicinity of MacDill Air Force Base.
In accordance with a Florida Department of Environmental Regula-
tion permit issued for the maintenance dredging of the MacDill Air
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