| Abstract: | Estimates of submerged aquatic vegetative (SAV) along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) generally focus on seagrasses. In 2000, we attempted a synoptic survey of SAV in the mesohaline (5-20 ppt) zone of estuarine and nearshore areas of the northeastern Gulf. Areas with SAV were identified from existing aerial 1992 photography, and a literature review was used to select those areas that were likely to experience mesohaline conditions during the growing season. In 2000, a drought year, we visited 217 randomly selected SAV beds and collected data on species composition and environmental conditions. In general, sites were either clearly polyhaline (2: 20 ppt) or oligohaline (S 5 ppt), with only five sites measuring between 5 and 20 ppt. Ruppia maritima L. (13-35 ppt, n = 28) was the only species that occurred in mesohaline salinities. Halodule wrightii Asch. occurred in 73% of the beds. The nonindigenous Myriophyllum spicatum L. was present in four locations with salinities below 3 ppt. No nonindigenous macroalgae were identified, and no nonindigenous angiosperms occurred in salinities above 3 ppt. Selecting sample locations based on historical salinity data was not a successful strategy for surveying SAV in mesohaline systems, particularly during a drought year. Our ability to locate SAV beds within 50 m of their aerially located position 8 yr later demonstrates some SAV stability in the highly variable conditions of the study area. ?? 2009 by the Marine Environmental Silences Consortium of Alabama. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70035543 |
| Citation Author: | Carter, J.; Merino, J. H.; Merino, S. L. |
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| Citation End Page: | 8 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Gulf of Mexico Science |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 8 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Mesohaline submerged aquatic vegetation survey along the U.S. gulf of Mexico coast, 2000: A stratified random approach; 2009; Article; Journal; Gulf of Mexico Science; Carter, J.; Merino, J. H.; Merino, S. L. |
| Citation Start Page: | 1 |
| Citation Volume: | 27 |
| Citation Year: | 2009 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Mesohaline submerged aquatic vegetation survey along the U.S. gulf of Mexico coast, 2000: A stratified random approach; 2009; Article; Journal; Gulf of Mexico Science; Carter, J.; Merino, J. H.; Merino, S. L. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Thu, 1 Jan 2009 00:00 -0600 |
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