Distribution, Abundance, and Productivity of Seagrasses and Macroalgae in Florida Bay
Zieman JC, Fourqurean JW, Iverson RL. 1989. Distribution, Abundance, and Productivity of Seagrasses and Macroalgae in Florida Bay. Bulletin of Marine Science. 44(1):292-311
In this study the distribution, abundance, and productivity of submerged macrophytes were measured in Florida Bay (Everglades National Park) to determine the total productivity and seagrass habitat distribution throughout the region. Thalassia testudinum was widely distributed and was the dominant macrophyte species in the 1,660 km2 of seagrass beds contained in the bay. Halodule wrightii was also common, but had standing crop significantly less than Thalassia at all sample stations. Syringodium filiforme grew mainly in areas with strong oceanic influence, especially along the south and west margins of the bay. Macroalgae were a small percentage of the total macrophyte biomass. Gradients in environmental and biological variables extended from southwest to northeast Florida Bay. Water clarity, water exchange, and sediment depth were all greatest in the south and west portion of the bay and decreased towards the northeast corner of the bay. Variations in values and patterns of areal seagrass standing crop and areal leaf productivity are presented. Distribution, abundance, and productivity data were used to divide the bay into six community types. Changes in Florida Bay macrophyte communities are discussed. Study Period: 1979,1983-84; Study Type: Quantitative, qualitative; Biological Component: seagrasses, macroalgae; Gear Types: Aerial photography, visual censusing techniques (benthic community identification), Quadrats (10x10 cm, 10x20 cm, 50x50 cm (standing crop & leaf production), plexiglass cylinders (algal & seagrass C-14 uptake), nets (drift material); Number of Stations: 108 (macrophyte standing crop), 16 (leaf production), 12 (algal & seagrass uptake), 42 (drift material sampling); Number of Replicates/Station: 3 (standing crop), 16 (leaf production); Temporal Frequency: Seasonal samples; Habitats: Basins, banks, channels; Abiotic Parameters Measured: Sediment depth, water depth; Dominant Taxon/Taxa Studied: Thalassia, Halodule, Syringodium, Laurencia spp., Penicillus.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Zieman, Joseph; Fourqurean, James; Iverson, Richard
- Units
- BISC , EVER
- Keywords
- aAgae, Biogeography, Cymodocea filiformis, Distribution, Ecology, Everglades National Park, Florida Bay, Habitats, Halodule beaudettei, Manateegrass, Population Density, Productivity, Seagrasses, Shoalweed, Thalassia testudina, Turtlegrass, Water Quality