IR Home
MEPS
Home
Editors
Forthcoming
Information
Subscribe
Journals
Home
MEPS
AME
CR
DAO
ESEP
Search
Subscribe
Book Series
EE Books
Top Books
ESEP Books
Order
EEIU Brochures
(pdf format)
Discussion Forums
Home
Research
Endangered Species Programs
Institutions
International Ecology Institute
Eco-Ethics International Union
Foundation
Otto Kinne Foundation
 | |
MEPS 250:61-70 (2003)
|
Abstract
|
Effects of propeller scarring on macrofaunal use of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum
Amy V. Uhrin1,2,*, Jeff G. Holmquist1,3,4
1Department of Marine Science, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, PO Box 908, Lajas, Puerto Rico 00667, USA
2NOAA, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research, 101 Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, USA
3White Mountain Research Station, University of California, 3000 East Line Street, Bishop, California 93514, USA
4Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Star Route 1, PO Box 198, Mammoth Lakes, California 93546, USA
*Email: amy.uhrin@noaa.gov
ABSTRACT: Propeller scarring within seagrass beds is common in shallow coastal waters. Scarring has the potential to fragment seagrass beds, resulting in habitat loss, decreased productivity, and the possibility for further erosion and degradation. We
conducted a study in Thalassia testudinum beds in Puerto Rico to determine whether seagrass macrofauna are affected by this disturbance. Four sampling zones (propeller scar, seagrass-scar interface, homogeneous seagrass located 5 m from the scar,
and homogeneous seagrass located 10 m from the scar) were compared among 10 replicate seagrass beds. Scarring modified faunal assemblages at the scale of the propeller scar; there was significantly lower total macrofaunal abundance and fewer species in
scars. When individual taxa were considered, shrimp and mollusc abundances were lower in scars compared to the other sampling zones. Resident fish abundance was not significantly different among zones. Dominant shrimp species in scars differed from
seagrass zones. Crabs and molluscs responded negatively to scarring as indicated by significantly lower densities of these 2 taxa up to 5 m from scars. The extent to which these results 'scale up' remains unknown and future studies should focus on larger,
more intensely scarred areas.
KEY WORDS: Propeller scarring · Edge · Seagrass · Thalassia testudinum · Decapoda · Shrimp · Fish · Molluscs
Full text in pdf format
Published in MEPS Vol.
250
(2003) on March 26
Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599.
Copyright © Inter-Research, Oldendorf/Luhe, 2003
|
