The Ecology of the Seagrasses of South Florida: A Community Profile
Zieman JC. 1982. The Ecology of the Seagrasses of South Florida: A Community Profile. Series Volume Number: FWS/OBS-82/25. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services. Washington, DC
This report provides a detailed description of the community structure and ecosystem process of the seagrass ecosystems of south Florida including Florida Bay (Everglades National Park), one of the two major areas of seagrass distribution in Florida. This description is based upon a compilation of information from numerous published and unpublished sources. The material covered includes distribution, systematics, physiology, and growth of the plants, as well as succession and community development. The role of seagrass ecosystems in providing both food and shelter for juveniles as well as foraging grounds for larger organisms is treated in detail. Emphasis is given to the functional role of seagrass communities in the overall coastal marine system. The final section considers the impacts of human development on seagrass ecosystems and their value to both man and the natural system. Because seagrass systems are fully submerged and less visibly obvious, recognition of their value as a natural resource has been slower than that of the emergent coastal communities. They must, however be treated as a valuable natural resource and preserved from further degradation. Study Type: Biological review.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Zieman, Joseph
- Date of Issue
- 1982
- Publisher
- US Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services
- Units
- BISC , EVER
- Keywords
- Algae, Biomass, Birds, Currents, Distribution, Ecology, Ecosystems, Exposure, Fish, Human Impact, Invertebrate, MammalMammals, Oxygen (O), Plant Communities, Reproduction, Reptiles, Seagrasses, Sediment, Temperature, Vegetation productivity, Water salinity