RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HABITATS, PRODUCTION OF KELP LAMINARIA JAPONICA AND TWO FACTORS (WATER TEMPERATURE AND SUBSTRATUM)

Abstract

Relations between kelp habitats and their water temperature and substratum, and relations between kelp production and water temperature were examined. Areas where water temperature and substratum were assumed to sustain the kelp growth broadly coincided with the actual kelp distribution areas. It was suggested that for kelp habitat formation, temperature ranges of 2 to 22°C during the sporophyte stage and 3 to 9°C in the gametophyte stage are necessary conditions. Although a direct correlation between kelp production and water temperature was not recognized, its production was suggested to be influenced by summer water temperature of the previous year.