The principal genera of plants consumed by green turtles in Torres Strait were Hypnea, Laurencia, Vidalia, Sargassum and Thalassia. Although some selectivity for soft red algae was detected, no evidence was found to support the theory that turtles feed on algae only when seagrasses are unavailable, but nor do algae appear to confer a nutritional advantage on those animals that eat them. Geographical variation in green turtle diets appears to be determined by the relative availability of seagrass and algae and the structure of the local herbivore community.

The vertical and horizontal distribution of 144 benthic marine algal taxa (25 of the Chlorophyta, 21 of the Phaeophyta, 92 of the Rhodophyta and 6 of the Cyanophyta) in the intertidal region in the vicinity of Townsville was investigated. The distribution patterns are discussed in relation to the zonation of animal species in the region and compared with information available for other tropical shores.

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