Changes in submerged aquatic macrophyte populations at the head of Chesapeake Bay, 1958-1975

Estuaries
By: , and 

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Abstract

Submerged aquatic plant populations in the Susquehanna Flats of the Chesapeake Bay were followed for 18 years. An exotic species, eurasian water milfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum, increased dramatically from 1958 to 1962; at the same time the dominant native species declined. After 1962, milfoil populations declined and the native rooted aquatics gradually began to return to their former levels. In the late 1960's all species declined and in 1972 almost disappeared from the Susquehanna Flats. These fluctuations may have been related to several interrelated environmental factors in the Chesapeake Bay, including tropical storms, turbidity, salinity and disease. The utilization of the Susquehanna Flats by waterfowl appears to be related to the abundance and species composition of the submerged macrophytes present.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Changes in submerged aquatic macrophyte populations at the head of Chesapeake Bay, 1958-1975
Series title Estuaries
DOI 10.2307/1351459
Volume 1
Issue 3
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 12 p.
First page 171
Last page 182
Country United States
State Maryland, Virginia
Other Geospatial Chesapeake Bay
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