Biomass estimation and distribution of Sargassum glaucescens in the Oman sea (Iranian coastline)

Abstract

The brown algae of Sargassum glaucescens is found all along the coastal waters of Sistan and Balouchestan province in the Oman Sea. This species as a raw material can be used in different industries and is considered as an economical marine resources. In order to determine the distribution pattern and biomass of this species eleven growing regions were surveyed from Gwatr area in east and Miedany in west. The sampling were carried out monthly in inter-tidal zone and seasonally in subtidal zone. After sampling, the wet-and dry weight, mean length of taIls and number of branches were measured. Also, some physical and chemical parameters were measured. The results showed that brown algae is distributed all along the studied area in the second half of the year, meanwhile in the Gwatr area is found all seasons. The mean biomass of S. glaucescen,y in Gwatr, Chabahar, Tang and Galak was estimated 629.9, 235.5,314.4 and 127.5 g/m2, respectively.