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MEPS 218:115-125 (2001)
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Abstract
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An experimental test of the mechanism by which suspension feeding bivalves elevate seagrass productivity
Bradley J. Peterson1,*, Kenneth L. Heck Jr2
1Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688, USA
2Dauphin Island Sea Lab, PO Box 369-370 Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528, USA
*Present address: Department of Biological Sciences and the Southeast Research Center, Florida International University, University Park, Miami, Florida 33199, USA. E-mail: petersob@fiu.edu
ABSTRACT: A field experiment utilizing mussel mimics and sediment nutrient enrichment was conducted to examine the effect of the mussel Modilous americanus on meadows of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum. The experimental design
tested the separate factors of increased habitat structure and increased nutrient enrichment resulting from the presence of the mussels. Nutrient enrichment had a significantly positive effect on sediment porewater nutrient concentrations and a
significantly negative effect on leaf tissue C:N, C:P and N:P ratios. Increased habitat structure had a significantly positive effect on epiphytic grazer densities and a significantly negative effect on epiphytic biomass. In addition, calculated % light
reduction by epiphytes was significantly reduced by structure and significantly increased by nutrient enrichment. This study showed that the direct effect of nutrient enrichment by mussel biodeposition produced the greatest positive response in
productivity of T. testudinum in the seagrass meadows of St. Joseph Bay, Florida. In other systems experiencing eutrophication, however, it is possible that increased habitat complexity may have the greater effect on seagrass productivity.
KEY WORDS: Bentho-pelagic couple · Habitat complexity · Plant-animal interactions · Seagrass · Thalassia testudinum · Suspension feeding bivalves · Modiolus americanus
Full text in pdf format
Published in MEPS Vol.
218
(2001) on August 20
Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2001
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