Survey of Limu Tanga'u (Cladosiphon sp.) in Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u Islands in Tonga
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The presence of the Cladosiphon sp. has been reported throughout the Kingdom of Tonga. However, inspection of known areas and a more complete understanding of the ecology of algae have led to the realisation that the main area of abundance is on the north side of Tongatapu I., particularly in the bay margins south of Maria Bay and Toke I. Though there are substantial quantities in Felemea Bay, Hapa'ai Group, the area suitable for growth is limited compared to Tongatapu I. and this year the seaso n was shorter. Again in the Vava'u Group, the suitable habitat is relatively limited and the season was shorter still with no Cladosiphon found in December. Presuming that temperature was limiting, this may be as short as 4 months as compared to 9.5–10 months on Tongatapu I. An estimate of Cladosiphon habitats and the biomass present have been assessed by the use of aerial photographs and field sampling. This technique needs to be refined through more extensive ground truthing and increasing t he frequency of field material sampled. The growth of Cladosiphon sp. was in decline during the month of December. The growth rates of cultured species in the field and in tank, indicated a reduction in biomass with a negative measured weight of -56.9% and -47.9%, respectively. In the field, the standing stock generally had an moribund appearance. Substantial matting of the algae had occurred in some areas (3.75 kg/m2).