A Descriptive Approach to the Floating Masses of Algae of a Mexican Caribbean Coastal Lagoon

Abstract

AbstractA descriptive study of the floating masses of algae of Bojorquez Lagoon, Cancun, Mexico, was based on theexternal features of the masses, their species composition and the morphological features of the species.Masses were described in terms of their external features such as color, thickness, species composition and degreeof compactness. The species were analyzed according to their morphology and the role played by each species inthe mass. Species were classified according to the two roles they play in the construction of the masses: specieswhich give structure to the mass and species which intertwine around the structural ones and are responsible forcharacteristics of the mass such as color, compactness and texture. Observations were made on the temporal fluctu-ations of some species and their impact on the fluctuations of the types of masses.IntroductionThe Nichupte Lagoon System is a coastal lagoon systemsituated in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, with practicallymarine waters and sandy sediments covered by sea-grasses and algae.Nichupte is one of the attractions which has made Can-cun an important tourist center in Mexico. It has severalwater bodies, among which Bojorquez Lagoon has beenthe first to suffer the consequences of the urban develop-ment which began in 1971 (Jordan