Seasonal Changes in the Photophysiology of Ulva Batuffolosa in a Coastal Barrier Reef

To assess the photophysiological capacity of the recently described Ulva batuffolosa to form blooms in coral reefs, we monitored its biomass and photophysiological capacity with pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry over a year period on a coastal barrier reef in New Caledonia, along with temperature and light. Effective and maximum quantum efficiencies of the photosystem II measured on this Ulva species indicated that the algae was in a “good health” all over the year with high quantum efficiencies under either light (Fq’/Fm’) or dark incubated conditions and (Fv/Fm). Photo-acclimation and -regulation status used by this Ulva sp. were driven by seasons (i.e., light and temperature) in the lagoon. Although photo-inhibition was an evidence during the warm period, U. batuffolosa was overall well adapted to tolerate the range of irradiance and temperature that characterized the lagoon over the year, which suggests that photosynthesis is not an impediment to green tides by this species.