Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 May 2009
A combination of photography and subsequent image analysis of the photographs has been used to measure maximum length, perimeter length and total area of fronds of tagged Fucus serratus L. as part of a study of the growth of this species on the Yorkshire coast. Maximum mean growth rate of 0·26 cm d-1 was observed during June–July. Minimum mean growth rate of 0·01 cm d-1 was observed during October-March. The method is relatively quick and convenient, and has the advantage that in addition to apical growth of the longest and/or other branches, lateral growth and total growth in surface area can all be recorded, while loss of tissue can also be determined. A further advantage is that a photographic record is obtained of the history of each individual plant.