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The composition and the patterns of spatial and temporal variability of the epiphytic assemblages of Fucus vesiculosus of Clare Island, on the western coast of Ireland, were investigated for an annual cycle. Specimens of Fucus were collected on seven sampling dates from three sites of the island (Portlea, Kinnacorra and Portnakilly). Data of cover of the most common epiphytic species were collected and analysed by multivariate and univariate techniques. Elachista fucicola, Polysiphonia lanosa, Porphyra umbilicalis, Spongonema tomentosum and Ulva compressa were the most common species. Spatial and temporal variation was detected both for the whole assemblage and for the most abundant species. In general, the assemblage was quantitatively more abundant and diverse in spring–summer than in autumn–winter. In spring–summer, there was a clear differentiation among the assemblage of Portnakilly and the assemblages of the other two sites. Individual species were also generally more abundant in spring – summer and their distribution at the three sites was often not consistent in time; P. lanosa was the only epiphyte for which a consistent effect of site was found. Spatial variation on a scale of meters to tens of meters was the most striking pattern of distribution of the epiphytic assemblage; significant effects related to this spatial scale were detected both for the whole assemblage and for individual species. Phenological patterns of the epiphytic species determining availability of propagules and limited dispersal, leading to aggregated patterns of distribution, are considered the main factors responsible of such patchiness. The importance of the incorporation of small spatial scales in sampling designs analysing the distributional patterns of epiphytic assemblages is discussed.

The oldest green algal genus Ulva has wide spread distribution to all the continents. The distromatic and monostromatic thallus both now form single taxa based on ITS rDNA and rbcL gene sequencing. Ulva is known to occupy several ecological niches including fresh and marine (intertidal and subtidal) habitats, attributed to its tolerance to key determinants such as light, temperature, salinity etc. The genus is perceived as model system to study life-cycle, morphogenesis and development from simple to complex multicellularity. The life cycle is isomorphic and biphasic type, knowledge of which is important in developing viable cultivation techniques. The culture is being attempted by photo-bioreactor, land based and open sea farming which registered 1,500 tones dry annum-1 biomass production. The understanding of scientific basis for eutrophication-driven green tide events is of paramount importance for coastal ecosystem management. The studies related to cross – kingdom cross – talk between Ulva and surrounding microbe are recently undertaken through high-throughput techniques to understand their role in growth, development and morphogenesis. The several regional species are rich in vital nutrients thus qualify in functional food sector, but recent research is poised to develop bio-refinery model for complete utilization of feedstock.

Kelp forests and Sargassum beds not only are commercially important in themselves but also play an important role in spawning, breeding and feeding grounds for many kind of fish, shellfish, lobster and other important fisheries resources (Komatsu et al. 1982; Komatsu 1985; Ohno et al. 1990; Watanuki and Yamamoto 1990; Terawaki et al. 1998). The distributions of kelp forests comprising of the Ecklonia and Eisenia species are restricted to warm-water regions. A number of ecological studies on these plants have been undertaken with particular attention focused the re-establishment of kelp forests. This is due to declining populations that are a result of various factors, including human activities (Tsutsui et al. 1996). Thus, there has been development of construction techniques of artificial foundation, for kelp forests, and transplanting techniques of seed and adult marine algae, on artificial foundations (Hasegawa et al. 1995).Techniques of formation for seaweed bed may fall under either of the following classifications: 1. Spore dispersal technique; 2. The spore bag technique; 3. Ropeseeding technique; 4. Adult-plant transplantation method; 5. Concrete blocks; 6. The threading technique; 7. Gravel-bag technique; and 8. Transplantation of young plants (Largo and Ohno 1993).In this study, we used the spore bag on the roof of an artificial iron reef and a natural rock for a seaweed bed. The present paper describes the formation of seaweed beds by the spore bag method on an artificial iron reef and a natural rock (habitat).

Much of the content of the human head is brain matter. This functions as the epicenter of human physical ex- istence, including a sense of well-being and the manifestation of human consciousness. The human brain is a precious and complex organ which increases from 350 to 400 g in infants to 1.3–1.4 kg in adults; it comprises ca. 78 % water, 12 % lipid, 8 % protein, and 1 % carbohydrate. Significant progress in behavioral and analytical science has accelerated understand- ing of the multifaceted responses of the brain to stimuli, whether it be the microbial breakdown products of ingested foods, the influences of environment, or in relation to genetic predisposition. The science of seaweeds, and particularly their broad range of applications, is gathering momentum as studies repeatedly underscore the natural health and nutritional bene- fits of dietary macroalgae. This article reviews research highlighting the potential impacts of the consumption of a variety of seaweeds on human brain health and includes the- ories in relation to the benefits to early Homo sapiens. The emphasis is on a varied diet including macroalgae and the gut/ 

microbe/brain axis, the importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the impacts of anti-oxidant activities in neuropro- tection. These elements have the capacity to help in the de- fense of human cognitive disorders, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, bipolar diseases, and adverse conditions characterized by progressive neurodegeneration. Psychological benefits associated with the moderate con- sumption of a diet fortified with macroalgae are also discussed in terms of reduction of depressive symptoms and furthermore highlighting possible improvements in sexual function.