HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations
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Defense Date
12-2009
Document Type
Thesis - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
M.S. Marine Biology
Second Degree Name
M.S. Coastal Zone Management
Department
Oceanographic Center
First Advisor
Jennifer S. Rehage
Second Advisor
Craig A. Layman
Third Advisor
Sam J. Purkis
Abstract
We examined effects of the macroalgae Laurencia and Palisada spp. on epifauna within seagrass beds of Thalassia testudinum. First we conducted a field survey of Thalassia testudinum beds with varying densities of Laurencia and Palisada spp. Second, we conducted a field experiment, manipulating natural and simulated Laurencia and Palisada spp. In the field survey, we found that total faunal biomass (g m-2) increased significantly with Laurencia and Palisada spp. cover. In the experiment, natural Laurencia and Palisada spp. supported an increased density (No. m-2) of fauna, however, faunal values were highest in the simulated algae treatment. This suggests that the mechanism of increased density/biomass due to Laurencia and Palisada spp. is structural complexity. Since habitat quality in Thalassia testudinum beds may be mediated by associated macroalgae, these small-scale habitat factors need to be incorporated in habitat and ecosystem conservation plans.
NSUWorks Citation
Megan Rebecca Seese. 2009. Effects of Laurencia and Palisada Spp. on Epifaunal Composition Within Thalassia Testudinum Beds on Abaco, the Bahamas. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Oceanographic Center. (226)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd/226.