Response and recovery dynamics of seagrassesThalassia testudinumandSyringodium filiformeand macroalgae in experimental motor vessel disturbances

Shallow seagrass beds worldwide are being negatively impacted by human activities. Damage by boats includes anchor scars, propeller scars, and hull groundings. In someThalassia testudinum-dominated systems, vessel damage may persist for years or decades, and even small scars may leave seagrass habit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 2007-09, Vol.345, p.83-92
Main Authors: Hammerstrom, K. K., Kenworthy, W. J., Whitfield, P. E., Merello, M. F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boats
Excavations
Macroalgae
Meadows
Peas
Propellers
Rhizomes
Sediments
Seedlings
Storm damage
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Summary:Shallow seagrass beds worldwide are being negatively impacted by human activities. Damage by boats includes anchor scars, propeller scars, and hull groundings. In someThalassia testudinum-dominated systems, vessel damage may persist for years or decades, and even small scars may leave seagrass habitat susceptible to severe erosion by wind and wave-driven currents and storms. Cost-effective techniques for restoration in these erosion-prone systems must include sediment replacement and stabilization to best enhance seagrass recovery. We conducted 2 experiments to address the effects of excavation depth and sediment filling on seagrass and macroalgal recovery into small-scale disturbances such as propeller scars. Recovery in excavations ≥20 cm deep took 2 to 5 yr longer than recovery in shallower disturbances (10 cm). Seagrasses were able to grow in native limestone fill material (diameter 0.6 cm), although the compensatory response ofSyringodium filiformewas dampened.
ISSN:0171-8630
1616-1599