Ecological connections between fucoid gamete release and spatial subsidies in the nearshore marine environment with a focus on the commercially-important bivalve Mytilus edulis
Muhlin JF, Dunton KH, Beal B. 2017. Ecological connections between fucoid gamete release and spatial subsidies in the nearshore marine environment with a focus on the commercially-important bivalve Mytilus edulis. Maine Maritime Academy. Castine, ME
From the background: "The proposed research examined the role of fucoid reproductive material (eggs, sperm, and fertilized eggs) as a subsidy within rocky intertidal communities. Research was conducted across three study locations within the Gulf of Maine (GOM): Holbrook Island in Penobscot Bay, Schoodic Peninsula in Frenchman’s Bay, and Great Wass Island in Western Bay. Much of the coastal topography was comprised of rocky intertidal communities that have been the focus of foundational marine ecological experiments (e.g. Mathesion et al., 1976; Menge, 1976; Lubchenco and Menge, 1978; Lubchenco, 1978; Lubchenco, 1980; Petraitis, 1987; Trussell et al., 2002). Fucoid rockweeds provide a model system to elucidate the importance of reproductive subsidies in nearshore environments. We formulated two research threads, both focused on understanding the ecological and food web connections of fucoid gamete release to the intertidal nearshore community. Our results provide insight into how reproductive subsidies from F. vesiculosus and A. nodosum influence recipients of the nearshore community. In addition, results will aid in developing sustainable management of the rockweed fishery and successful rearing of the commercially-cultured bivalve M. edulis."
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Muhlin, Jessica; Dunton, Kenneth; Beal, Brian
- Date of Issue
- 2017
- Publisher
- Maine Maritime Academy
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Marine, Marine communities, Marine invertebrates, Reproduction