Diversity Investigation of the Seaweeds Growing on the Lebanese Coast

Abstract

By specialized underwater cameras we have filmed and collected samples of algae from the following sites along the Lebanese coast: Batroun, Barbara, Manara, Officer’s Military club, Saida, Sarafand, Tyre and Naqoura. We have identified ninety-four species of algae that grow along the Lebanese coast and we have established a collection sites map of these algal species. The identification of the samples was done in three steps: (1) Determine the largest group (green, brown and red algae) to which the sample belongs, then continue searching within the most likely group. (2) Seek off in the succession of morphological types which proposed that the sample is approaching. (3) Seek out using the illustrations and descriptions a satisfactory identification. It is worth noting that confirmation cannot be obtained in all cases unless a careful reading of the description is done. (4) We then proceeded to the classification of the collected seaweeds which are distributed as follows: Rhodophyta forty one species, Ochrophyta twenty two species, Chlorophyta twenty six species and Cyanobacteria five species. (5) Synthesis: The present study allowed us to establish a primary infrastructure regarding the distribution of the Lebanese seaweeds. Such findings represent an important scientific support concerning the Mediterranean seaweeds, which provides a great assist in algal studies and all its applications. This screening of the Lebanese coastline shows a broad and significant algal distribution. The most common algal types among the identified ones are: Sargassum, Padina, Laurencia, Ulva, Corallina, Hypnea, Chondracanthus, Jania, Amphiroa, Pterocladia, Cladophera, Codium.