Ecology of shallow water bank habitats in Florida Bay
Powell GV, Sogard SM, Holmquist JG. 1987. Ecology of shallow water bank habitats in Florida Bay. Final Report for Contract CX5280-3-2339. South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park. Homestead, FL
This study was designed to describe the physical environment of Florida Bay's (Everglades National Park) bank habitats, including topography, tidal flux, wind direction and velocity, temperature and salinity regimes, sediment characteristics, and seasonal variations of the above. In addition, the distribution and abundance of fishes and decapod crustaceans and variation in seagrass growth on banks was determined. The effects of seagrass parameters and variations in physical parameters on species composition and density was determined. The effects of nutrients on seagrass parameters, fish and invertebrates was presented. Results indicated that bank seagrass communities were affected to a greater degree than submerged systems. Standing crop of seagrasses was the most important biotic factor influencing fish and decapod densities. Water level and wind stress had a major impact on the shallow banks. Seagrass, demersal fish, pelagic fish, and decapod populations on the banks varied in a consistent manner across the bay. Seagrass cover on banks allowed species to survive during periods of extreme physical stress and insured a source of prey for fish and birds. Study Period: 1984-1986; Study Type: Quantitative; Gear Types: Throw traps, nets, cores; Number of Stations: 7; Temporal Frequency: 3 x annually by season; Number of Replicates/Station: Varied (6-12); Habitat: Mud, water column; Biological Component: Pelagic and demersal fish, decapod crustaceans, seagrasses; Abiotic Parameters Measured: Salinity, temperature, water level, sediment; Dominant Taxon/Taxa Studied: Clupeidae, Ariidae, Gerridae, Palaeomonidae, Thalassia.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Powell, George; Sogard, Susan; Holmquist, Jeff
- Date of Issue
- 1987-03
- Publisher
- South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- decapods (Decapoda), Distribution, Ecology, Everglades National Park, Fish, FL, Florida Bay, Growth, Habitats, Marine Communities, Mudbanks, Nutrients, Physical Sciences, Population, Salinity, Seagrasses, Seasonality, Sediment, Tides, Topography, Water Temperature, Wind