Detection and cataloging of benthic marine macroalgae and seaweeds of Antalya Tufa cliffs

In this study, it is aimed to determine and catalogue benthic marine macroalgae and seaweeds of "Antalya Tufa Cliffs" located in the city center of Antalya that forming the band of the coastal area of the world's largest tufa deposits. Fieldworks were done in the depths between 0.2 and 20 m by 1-2 divers having scienticific training with SCUBA and free-diving. In addition to the under water studies; physical, chemical, and biological measurements were taken at a total of 5 stations in the whole area in order to ecologically assess the spreading areas of the macroalgae. It was possible to interpret the alterations related to variable environmental factors and the geographical location of the area (bay, lagoon, fresh water area, opensea, etc.) by evaluating the measurements taken at different depths at each of these stations. Thus, the existing habitat types related to the ecology of the area and the physical, chemical, and biological informations related to these habitats were evaluated. At the end of study, in total, 120 taxa were determined, 75 taxa belonging to Red algae (Rhodophyta), 21 taxa belonging to Brown algea (Heterokontophyta), 23 taxa belonging to Green algae (Chlorophyta) and 1 taxa belonging to marine flowering plants (Tracheophyta). Accordingly, taxa consists of %63 Rhodophyta, %17 Heterokontophyta, %19 Chlorophyta and %1 Tracheophyta species of the divisions. Moreover, for the first time a marine macroalgae catalog was created belonging to the region by subtracting a detailed inventory of marine macroalgae and flowering plants. The monitoring research studies, which must be performed periodically, will be based on this database.