The Invertebrates of Biscayne Bay
Voss GL. 1976. The Invertebrates of Biscayne Bay. Pages 173-179. In Thorhaug A and Volker A. Biscayne Bay: past/present/future; papers prepared for Biscayne Bay Symposium I. University of Miami Sea Grant College Program. Coral Gables, FL. University of Miami Sea Grant special report
The marine invertebrates of Biscayne Bay are living under stress over most parts of the bay, and many populations have been decimated through shoreline changes, reduced flushing, sea grass destruction, and various forms of pollution. Comparisons between life on natural rocky shores, in rip-rap, and on vertical bulkheads show that the latter is the least desirable as a man-made structure. The sea grass communities are the richest known and their removal through various causes has greatly reduced invertebrate numbers in the bay. Recommendations for the revitalization of the' bay include shoreline restoration by natural landscaping and rip-rap, increased flushing by widening channels through the causeways or construction of new water flow channels, and replanting of barren bay bottom with marine grasses. Pollution must be continually reduced, as no known.tolerance levels of bay invertebrates can be used for determining safety criteria. Pesticide problems in south Dade canals must be resolved. A broad scale survey of the invertebrates of the bay is required as baseline studies for proper bay management.
- Type
- Book Chapter
- Authors
- Voss, Gilbert
- Units
- BISC
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Distribution, Habitats, Invertebrates (Invertebrata), Marine Communities