Assessing within habitat variability in plant demography, faunal density, and secondary production in an eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) bed

Seagrass Demographic and Spatial Habitat Characterization in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, Using Fixed Transects

“…Because these vascular plants are broadly distributed in shallow estuarine or coastal marine waters, they are exposed to a wide array of natural and anthropogenic stressors that can be detrimental (BOLOGNA, 2006;BORTONE, 2000;KENNISH, 2002aKENNISH, , 2002bKENNISH et al, 2007;KENWORTHY et al, 2001;SHORT and WYLLIE-ECHEVERRIA, 1996;VALIELA, 2006). For example, nutrient enrichment, turbidity, prop scarring by boats, sediment influx from coastal watersheds, and infection by Labyrinthula zosterae (i.e., wasting disease) have all contributed to seagrass decline (DEN HARTOG, 1987;HAUXWELL, CEBRIAN, and VAL-IELA, 2003;KENNISH, 2002b;LIVINGSTON, 2002;ORTH et al, 2006).…”

“…For example, brown tide blooms have commonly occurred in the estuary since 1995 (i.e., 1995, 1997, and 1999-2002) (GAS-TRICH et al, 2004a, 2004bOLSEN and MAHONEY, 2001). Consisting of exceptionally high phytoplankton numbers, these blooms not only cause shading problems (DENNISON, MAR-SHALL, and WIGAND, 1989) but also discolor the estuarine waters yellowish-brown and can impact the growth of shellfish (e.g., Mercenaria mercenaria), the survival of bay scallops (Argopecten irradians), and the condition of seagrass beds (BOLOGNA, 2006;BOLOGNA, WILBUR, and ABLE, 2001; BRI- (2002) and GAS-TRICH et al, (2004a) noted that the levels of brown tide blooms in the Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor Estuary were elevated relative to those in other estuaries where impacts on resources have been recorded, with the worst conditions observed in Little Egg Harbor.…”

“…SOGARD and ABLE (1991) discussed the importance of seagrass beds in Little Egg Harbor as habitat for epibenthic fish and decapods. BOLOGNA (2006) determined the faunal density and secondary production of Z. marina beds in the embayment.…”

“…The apparent decline of seagrass beds in New Jersey's estuarine waters is a major concern because seagrasses are critically important as habitat and as a source of nutrition for many fish and invertebrates (BOLOGNA, 2006;HECK and VALENTINE, 2006;HILY et al, 2004;LARKUM, ORTH, and DUARTE, 2006;LINK, PLATELL, and POTTER, 2001). Various recreationally and commercially important estuarine and marine species (e.g., Argopecten irradians, Mytilus edulis, Callinectes sapidus, and Cynoscion nebulosus) use the beds extensively during at least a part of their lives (BOLOGNA, 2006;BOLOGNA et al, 2005). Seagrass beds also play a significant role in biogeochemical cycling and filtering of essential elements (CAFFREY and KEMP, 1990;MOORE, 2004).…”

Impact of differential predation potential on eelgrass (Zostera marina) faunal community structure

“…Trophic web assessment was carried out during the summer of 1999 at two sites: Marsh Elder (39°35.2¢N, 74°14.2¢W) and Shelter Island (39°34.5¢N, 74°15.5¢W); these sites are situated approximately 1 km apart. Each site was characterized by expansive Zostera marina habitat and had been previously investigated with respect to plant and benthic faunal community structure (Bologna et al 2000;Bologna 2006). …”