Broad-scale patterns of tissue-δ15N and tissue-N indices in frondose Ulva spp.; Developing a national baseline indicator of nitrogen-loading for coastal New Zealand

A survey of tissue-δ15N and tissue-N values in the green macroalga, Ulva, was conducted around the coast of New Zealand to determine if these indices could be used as indicators of anthropogenic nutrient loading in coastal waters. In addition, data from four case studies showed temporal and spatial responses of tissue-δ15N and tissue-N in Ulva to significant terrestrial nutrient inputs. Tissue-δ15N in Ulva from ‘natural’ exposed coastal sites showed a relatively narrow baseline range of values (6.6 ± 0.1–8.8 ± 0.1‰) in both summer and winter that was consistent throughout New Zealand. Departures in Ulva tissue-δ15N ratios outside this range, particularly when coupled with high (>3.1%) tissue-N values, indicate significant contributions of terrestrially-derived nitrogen to coastal seawater. We note that tissue-N content is also affected by exposure, light and season; however provided such factors are taken into account Ulva can be a cost-effective indicator of relative changes in both source and amount of nitrogen-loading.