Seasonal variation in the biomass, reproduction and biochemical composition of Hypnea musciformis (Cystocloniaceae, Rhodophyta) from Playa Xcalacoco, Quintana Roo, Mexico

On the Mexican coasts, carrageenophytes are harvested from natural populations and exported as raw material for the extraction of carrageenan. Hypnea musciformis, a native species to the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, is an economically important seaweed due to its kappa/iota carrageenan content, and as a source of different bioactive compounds. This study describes the phenology (biomass and relative abundance of life cycle phases) and biochemical composition of H. musciformis from Playa Xcalacoco, Quintana Roo, Mexico through the seasonal cycle. The species grew up over a broad range of environmental conditions including different substrata (natural and artificial), forming conspicuous and perennial populations throughout the seasonal cycle, with abundances up to 148.8 g dw m-2. Spatiotemporal differences on its reproductive behavior and biochemical composition were found, reflecting its ability to overcome changing environmental conditions by adjusting its reproductive strategies and metabolism. Carrageenan yields reached up to 29.5% of dry weight, which is within the range of other exploited carrageenophytes (20-70%), suggesting that the species represent a potential resource of such compound for the area.