Abstract:In order to further investigate the species and distribution of Zosteraceae along the coast of Shandong Peninsula, ecological survey was performed during August~October, 2011. Based on morphological characteristics, ITS sequences were analyzed to identify the Zosteraceae samples.Three species were found during the survey, namely, Zostera marina L, Zostera japonica Ascherson & Graebner,and Phyllospadix iwatensis Makino. Among them, Z. marina distributed most widely but in different patterns in each place: mottled in Laizhou Bay, sporadic in Huiquan Bay, and in large stretches along the coast of Lidao, Xiaoshidao and Chudao. Z. japonica was found in less bimass, showing a mottled distribution in Laizhou Bayand a sporadic distribution in Guangrao County. P. iwatensis was found only in Shilaoren Beach in Qingdao with a patchy distribution. The survey also revealed that seagrass beds of Zosteraceae along Shandong Peninsula coast have been damaged and have degenerated in various degrees. Along the coast of Lidao, Xiaoshidao, and Chudao, Zosteraceae distributed in large stretches, while in other surveyed areas it showed a patchy or sporadic distribution. Specifically, seagrass beds of Zosteraceae along Rizhao coast seemed to be completely destroyed,and none Zosteraceae species was found.
