Investigating the distribution and ecosystem services of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) habitat along the Schoodic Peninsula

Norden, Wendy; McNaught, Doug

Objectives were to: characterize the eelgrass beds on the east and west side of Schoodic Point to compare historical distributions with current bed distribution; understand the ecosystem survices provided by eelgrass habitats at Schoodic Point; provide baseline data on eelgrass and associated fuana (fish and invertebrates). 26 invertebrate species were documented, 9 species were captured in the fish pots, and 11 species in seines. Research recommendations: 'It would be beneficial to have a more regular monitoring program in place that could pick-up trends in eelgrass distribution, sedimentation, species changes, and other associated water quality parameters (light, turbidity, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen) that are important for its growth.' 'Future eelgrass bed monitoring may include: establishment of montirong site where sampling for temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and light attenuation (PAR-Photosynthetically Active Radiation) is sampled bi-monthly by park staff, volunteers, and or visiting educators at SERC.' 'Yearly kayak trips to map beds with handheld GPS units; this could be a one-day even done by park staff, volunteers, or visiting educators.' Future larval recruitment studies may include: the role of predation inside and outside eelgrass habitat at Schoodic Point; the role of eelgrass whiplash to successful larval settlement; the role of eelgrass patch density on larval recruitment; the possible synergistic relationship between eelgrass and mussel beds both in terms of higher eelgrass germination rates and higher growth rates for both species; and possible positive effects of Littorina ssp. on eelgrass growth. Future fish studies may include: choosing 2-3 eelgrass beds along the Schoodic Peninsula that are seined monthly from June to September to collect long-term data on juvenile and small fish populations; and incorporating long-term fish monitoring into volunteer and educational activities at the SERC. /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /SCHOODIC PENINSULA/