MASS MORTALITY OF THE TROPICAL SEAGRASS THALASSIA-TESTUDINUM IN FLORIDA BAY (USA)

被引:298
作者
ROBBLEE, MB
BARBER, TR
CARLSON, PR
DURAKO, MJ
FOURQUREAN, JW
MUEHLSTEIN, LK
PORTER, D
YARBRO, LA
ZIEMAN, RT
ZIEMAN, JC
机构
[1] UNIV VIRGINIA, DEPT ENVIRONM SCI, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22903 USA
[2] FLORIDA MARINE RES INST, ST PETERSBURG, FL 33701 USA
[3] UNIV VIRGIN ISL, CARIBBEAN RES INST, ST THOMAS, VI 00802 USA
[4] UNIV GEORGIA, DEPT BOT, ATHENS, GA 30602 USA
关键词
D O I
10.3354/meps071297
中图分类号
Q14 [生态学(生物生态学)];
学科分类号
071012 ; 0713 ;
摘要
This report documents rapid and widespread mortality of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig (turtle grass) in Florida Bay at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula (USA). More than 4000 ha of seagrass beds have been completely lost in recurring episodes of mortality since summer 1987. An additional 23 000 ha have been affected to a lesser degree. Loss of T. testudinum, the dominant macrophyte species in this highly productive system, may affect ecosystem function within the bay as well as estuarine-dependent sport and commercial fisheries. A pathogenic protist related to the causal agent of the eelgrass wasting disease may be involved in the mortality and may place T. testudinum populations outside Florida Bay at risk. Environmental factors and chronic hypoxia of below-ground T. testudinum tissue may also contribute to the die-off.
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页码:297 / 299
页数:3
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