Baseline surveys to detect trophic changes in shallow hard-bottom communities induced by the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area: Chapter 8
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
A study was initiated to examine the potential impacts of reduced abundance of exploited reef fish species on herbivores, macroalgae, and corals. Surveys were performed inside and outside of the RNA to characterize relationships between different trophic level organisms inhabiting the coral reef ecosystem. No significant differences in the abundance of herbivorous fish and urchins or in the abundance of exploited fish species in the shallow, lowrelief hard-bottom communities were observed inside vs. outside the RNA. Evaluating and understanding trophic changes that may occur related to the RNA will require a long-term research and monitoring effort. Future surveys will be necessary to determine if changes have occurred in the proportions of major coral reef ecosystem components and to help determine if the implementation of the RNA results in balanced benthic communities at DRTO.
Study Area
Publication type | Report |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Other Government Series |
Title | Baseline surveys to detect trophic changes in shallow hard-bottom communities induced by the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area: Chapter 8 |
Year Published | 2012 |
Language | English |
Publisher | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission |
Publisher location | Tallahassee, FL |
Contributing office(s) | St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center |
Description | 4 p. |
Larger Work Type | Report |
Larger Work Title | Implementing the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area science plan: The 5-year report |
First page | 42 |
Last page | 45 |
Country | United States |
State | Florida |
Other Geospatial | Dry Tortugas National Park |
Online Only (Y/N) | N |
Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
Google Analytics Metrics | Metrics page |