The Rise of Ruppia In Seagrass Beds: Changes In Coastal Environment and Research Needs

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Department

Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Abstract

It is well known that the global seagrass beds habe been declining due to combining effects of natural/anthropogenic disturbances. Restoration efforts have focused on revegetation of the lost seagrass species, which may well work in cases the seagrass loss is recent and the habitat quality has not been altered substantially. Recent studies in several estuaries in the U.S. report the similar change in the seagrass community structures: much of the habitats previously dominated by stable seagrasses (Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme in tropical and Zostera marina in temperate regions) are now replaced by Ruppia maritima, an opportunistic, pioneer species that is highly dependent on sexual reproduction. The relative increases of R. maritima in seagrass habitats indicate that: (1) the coastal environmental quality has been altered to be more conducive to this species; (2) the quality of environmental services that seagrass beds play also have been changed; and (3) strategies for seagrass restoration and habitat management need to be adjusted. Unlike Zostera or Thalassia, Ruppia maritima beds are known for their seasonal and annual fluctuations. The authors' previous and on-going research and restoration efforts as well as literature reviews are presented to discuess the causes for and the potential impacts of this change in seagrass community on the coastal ecosystem and future restoration strategies

Publication Title

Handbook on Environmental Quality

First Page

333

Last Page

348

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