Recolonization of intertidal algae: An experimental study

Recolonization of an intertidal coralline algal mat near San Diego, California, was studied under different disturbance (denudation by scraping) shedules. Scraping at different seasons led to different sequences of algal dominants, and there was no predictable sequence of colonizers. The predisturbance dominant, Lithothrix aspergillum, reappeared in all disturbed plots, including those scraped biweekly. Undisturbed areas, which were monitored as controls, underwent a late summer die-back of algae, following the occurrence of hot dry weather, and a late winter pulse in algal growth. Seasonal influences predominated over successional patterns in determining community changes under both disturbed and undisturbed conditions.