Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweed Abundance Along the Coast of Nunivak Island, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2010
Links
- Document: Report (2.2 MB pdf)
- Related Works:
- OFR 2020-1035 — Abundance and distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweeds at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2007–10
- OFR 2020-1080 — Distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina) in coastal waters adjacent to Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
- OFR 2020-1144 — Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweed assessment Alaska Peninsula-Becharof National Wildlife Refuges, 2010
- OFR 2020-1114 — Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and Seaweed Abundance along the Coast of Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2008–10
- OFR 2021-1034 — Inventory of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweeds at the end of the Alaska Peninsula, August–September 2012
- Data Releases:
- USGS data release — Mapping data of eelgrass (Zostera marina) distribution, Alaska and Baja California, Mexico
- USGS data release — Point sampling data from eelgrass (Zostera marina), seaweeds and selected invertebrates at six embayments and two islands at the end of the Alaska Peninsula
- USGS data release
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Eelgrass (<em>Zostera marina</em>) is a highly productive seagrass that plays an essential role in the health of the estuarine and coastal ecosystems; however, information about its abundance and distribution is insufficient in the Bering Sea along the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. We inventoried the spatial extent and abundance of eelgrass and seaweed in Duchikthluk and Shoal bays on Nunivak Island in July 2010. Using Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, we estimated the spatial extent of eelgrass to be 1,232 hectares in Duchikthluk Bay and 40 hectares in Shoal Bay. The overall accuracy of the assessments was high (86–87 percent) based on ground truthing using field reference points. We used point-sampling methodology to assess eelgrass abundance relative to the presence of associated seaweeds and selected macro-invertebrates within each of bays. Eelgrass was found at water depths ranging from 0.1 to 2.9 meters across both bays, but the greatest density (>75 percent cover) occurred primarily in moderate to deep water (0.7–1.4 meters) in Duchikthluk Bay and deeper water (>2 meters) in Shoal Bay. The mean aboveground biomass was 39.4±4.0 grams per meter squared in Duchikthluk Bay. The eelgrass biomass was greater (67.6±11.0 grams per meter squared) in Shoal Bay, but this estimate was based on a small sample size (n=3). Seaweeds, representing six species, occurred in low abundance across both bays and were primarily associated with eelgrass. Gastropods were the most common macro-invertebrate, occurring at 45 percent of field points in Duchikthluk Bay.
Suggested Citation
Ward, D.H., Hogrefe, K.R., Donnelly, T.F., and Fairchild, L.L., 2022, Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweed abundance along the coast of Nunivak Island, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2010: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2020–1143, 13 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201143.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results and Discussion
- Future Research Needs
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and seaweed abundance along the coast of Nunivak Island, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, 2010 |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2020-1143 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20201143 |
| Year Published | 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB |
| Description | Report: v, 13 p.; 2 Data Releases |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Nunivak Island, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |