The effects of boat propeller scarring intensity on nekton abundance in subtropical seagrass meadows |
| |
Authors: | Dana D Burfeind Gregory W Stunz |
| |
Institution: | (1) School of Engineering, Center for Water Studies, University of Queensland, 4072 St. Lucia, QLD, Australia;(2) Department of Physical and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Seagrasses play a critical role in the function and structure of coastal ecosystems, and they are an important habitat for
a variety of marine organisms. Damage to seagrass beds caused by boat propeller scarring is significant in many areas. This
study was designed to assess the impact of varying scarring intensities on nekton density. We selected ten replicate (10 m×25 m
quadrats) sites representing four distinct scarring intensities: reference (0%), low (5% or less), moderate (5–15%), and severe
(>15%). Sites were sampled in 2003–2004 for nekton during four seasons (summer, fall, winter, and spring) using epibenthic
sleds. There were eight taxa numerically dominant in all seasons and an additional four seasonally dominant species. We were
unable to detect a significant effect of propeller scarring on nekton density at any scarring level. Additionally, regression
analysis indicated no relationship between scarring intensity and nekton density. These results suggest that propeller scarring
intensities of up to ca. 27% may not impact nekton densities. However, seagrass loss, higher scarring intensity, and scale
may play a critical role in determining the impact of propeller scarring on nekton. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|