Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Maria Potouroglou, Danielle Whitlock, Luna Milatovic, Gillian MacKinnon, Hilary Kennedy, Karen Diele, Mark Huxham
Summary: Seagrasses are highly productive ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to the environment and people. This study evaluates the carbon storage capacity of Zostera noltii and Zostera marina in intertidal seagrass meadows in Scotland, finding that seagrass areas show enhanced carbon storage compared to reference unvegetated ones. However, the variability in carbon storage across depth, sites, and estuaries indicates a need for further research and effective management strategies.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Md Mehedi Iqbal, Masahiko Nishimura, Md. Nurul Haider, Susumu Yoshizawa
Summary: This study investigated the microbial community structure and diversity of Zostera marina growing in Futtsu bathing water, Chiba prefecture, Japan. The composition of leaf-attached microbes changed with the relative age of the eelgrass leaf. The microbial communities of marine particles resembled those of eelgrass leaves, suggesting that leaf-attached microbes may derive from suspended particles and move between eelgrass leaves and the water column.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Holly K. K. Plaisted, Erin C. C. Shields, Alyssa B. B. Novak, Christopher P. P. Peck, Forest Schenck, Jillian Carr, Paul A. A. Duffy, N. Tay Evans, Sophia E. E. Fox, Stephen M. M. Heck, Robbie Hudson, Trevor Mattera, Kenneth A. A. Moore, Betty Neikirk, David B. B. Parrish, Bradley J. J. Peterson, Frederick T. T. Short, Amanda I. I. Tinoco
Summary: This study suggests vulnerability in eelgrass meadows of the Northeast USA due to changes in water temperature, with higher than average summer temperatures leading to a decrease in eelgrass presence.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan-Hao Zhang, Bing Yu, You-Cai Liu, Wang Ma, Wen-Tao Li, Pei-Dong Zhang
Summary: Low salinity promotes the growth and propagation of temperate seagrasses, with an optimal salinity range of 18-21 PSU for Zostera marina shoots. Decreased salinity levels enhance the survival and growth of the shoots through increased chlorophyll content and accumulated nonstructural carbohydrates.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan-Hao Zhang, Jian-Du Li, Zhong-Xun Wu, Shun-Jie Yuan, Wen-Tao Li, Pei-Dong Zhang
Summary: The study found that exposing Zostera marina plants to prolonged light duration of 4 hours per day is beneficial for their survival and growth, mainly due to increased chlorophyll content and the accumulation and synthesis of non-structural carbohydrates.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan-Hao Zhang, He-Hu Wang, Fan Li, Jie Sun, Wen-Tao Li, Pei-Dong Zhang
Summary: This study examined the effects of planting density and sediment fertilization on the survival, growth, productivity, and leaf characteristics of eelgrass shoots. The results showed that the optimal planting density for eelgrass propagation was 501-530 shoots per square meter, while the optimal sediment fertilization range was 51-60 grams per square meter. Increased chlorophyll content and accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates played a key role in promoting the survival and propagation of eelgrass shoots.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Jose Marin Jarrin, David A. Sutherland, Alicia R. Helms
Summary: This study examines the impact of oceanic and atmospheric conditions on the temperature of the Coos Estuary in southwest Oregon. The findings suggest that warm oceanic conditions and El Nino events in 2014-2016 led to increased water temperature, resulting in changes in water quality and a decline in eelgrass.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ane Pastor, Andres Ospina-Alvarez, Janus Larsen, Flemming Thorbjorn Hansen, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Marie Maar
Summary: This study aims to identify the connectivity of eelgrass populations to guide site selection for restoration. Using a coupled biophysical model and network analysis, the study evaluated potential connectivity between populations and identified key areas for restoring Z. marina patches.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Wendel W. Raymond, Brent B. Hughes, Tiffany A. Stephens, Catherine R. Mattson, Ashley T. Bolwerk, Ginny L. Eckert
Summary: The presence and strength of trophic cascades involving sea otters in southeast Alaska may not be generalized, potentially due to local scale factors such as spatial heterogeneity, low resource availability, and non-linear food chains in southeast Alaska seagrass communities. Correlation analyses suggest further interactions among biological and environmental variables in southeast Alaska seagrass communities, highlighting the need for local assessment on the ecology and management of apex-predator populations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ane Pastor, Andres Ospina-Alvarez, Janus Larsen, Flemming Thorbjorn Hansen, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Marie Maar
Summary: The North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and coastal waters of Denmark have seen a significant decrease in eelgrass coverage, necessitating restoration efforts. A study using a coupled biophysical model and network analysis identified connectivity between eelgrass populations to guide restoration site selection. Collaboration between ecologists, oceanographers, and practitioners is crucial for supporting marine conservation efforts.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yan-Hao Zhang, Bing Yu, Guo-Xu Yu, Yan-Ping Li, Wen-Tao Li, Pei-Dong Zhang
Summary: By manipulating the seawater HCO3- concentration under controlled conditions, it was found that a concentration in the range of 4.8-5.5 mmol L-1 could promote the growth and propagation of Zostera marina, increasing survivorship and contributing to the accumulation of nonstructural carbohydrates and an increase in chlorophyll content.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kira A. Krumhansi, Michael Dowd, Melisa C. Wong
Summary: This study introduces a novel framework for characterizing the response of eelgrass ecosystems to environmental variability, evaluating the importance of different environmental metrics on eelgrass bioindicators. The researchers found that temperature, light, and water motion metrics uniquely impact eelgrass productivity and resilience, with temperature variability playing a significant role. These results highlight the complexity of ecosystem responses to global climate change and emphasize the importance of considering multiple environmental factors simultaneously.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wen-Tao Li, Nuan Liang, Jiaxin Zhan, Huan Wang, Peidong Zhang
Summary: A comparative study was conducted on eelgrass populations in Mashanli and Moon Lake to investigate their adaptation strategies. Results showed that eelgrass in Mashanli had smaller leaves and shorter internodes, while developing thicker leaf epidermis and higher vascular bundle area. These adaptations help the eelgrass cope with high-energy environments and resist waves and currents.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Chao Li, Yan-Hao Zhang, Xiao-Xiao Wu, Yu-Shan Jiang, Wen-Tao Li, Pei-Dong Zhang
Summary: Increased water turbidity is a primary cause of seagrass meadows loss. This study quantified the interactive influence of different combinations of turbidity and duration on Zostera marina plants, revealing a strong inverse relationship between turbidity and duration that affects the survival and growth of the plants. The study indicates that short-term periods of increased water turbidity can have long-term effects on the survival of Z. marina plants.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Susanne Baden, Stein Fredriksen, Hartvig Christie, Louise Eriander, Camilla Gustafsson, Marianne Holmer, Birgit Olesen, Jonas Thormar, Christoffer Bostrom
Summary: In this study, a short-term field sampling was conducted, complemented with time integrating stable isotope analysis, to holistically investigate the status and ecological interactions in a remote NE Atlantic Zostera marina meadow. The study found high nutrient water concentrations, large biomass of fast-growing, ephemeral macroalgae, low abundance and biodiversity of epifauna, and a food web with thornback ray as intermediate and cod as top predator. The results indicated that the Finnoya Zostera ecosystem is eutrophicated. The study concluded that bottom-up regulation is a predominant driver of change since top-down regulation is generally weak in low density and exposed Zostera ecosystems such as Finnoya.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Benjamin Fertig, Michael J. Kennish, Gregg P. Sakowicz
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
B. Fertig, T. J. B. Carruthers, W. C. Dennison, K. A. Meyer, M. R. Williams
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2014)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. Fertig, T. J. B. Carruthers, W. C. Dennison, A. B. Jones, F. Pantus, B. Longstaff
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2009)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin Fertig, Michael J. Kennish, Gregg P. Sakowicz, Laura K. Reynolds
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2014)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
B. Fertig, J. M. O'Neil, K. A. Beckert, C. J. Cain, D. M. Needham, T. J. B. Carruthers, W. C. Dennison
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2013)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin Fertig, Tim J. B. Carruthers, William C. Dennison
JOURNAL OF COASTAL RESEARCH
(2014)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. Fertig, T. J. B. Carruthers, W. C. Dennison, E. J. Fertig, M. A. Altabet
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2010)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeffrey M. Schell, Deborah S. Goodwin, Rebecca H. Volk, Amy N. S. Siuda
Summary: Understanding the environmental tolerances and growth rates of different species of macroalgae is crucial for predicting their spatial and temporal dynamics. This study found that different morphotypes of Sargassum exhibited varying responses to temperature and salinity conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Erika Valzauez-Delfin, Carmen Galindo-De Santiago, Arely Paredes-Chi, Ameyalli Rios-Vazquez, Ana Benavides-Lahnstein, Kaysara Khatun, Juliet Brodie
Summary: Massive strandings of seaweed on the eastern coasts of the Yucat ' an peninsula, Mexico have become a major socioecological problem. A citizen science initiative, Big Seaweed Search Mexico (BSS-Mx), was developed to monitor temporal changes in the biomass stranded. The results represent baseline information that should be considered to develop management strategies and marine conservation actions according to each region.
Review
Plant Sciences
Lee H. Dietterich, Suhey Ortiz Rosa, Bianca R. Charbonneau, S. Kyle McKay
Summary: Riverine macrophytes play crucial ecological roles in river ecosystems, but their growth models have received relatively limited attention compared to other aquatic or terrestrial plants. This systematic review reveals that current models often overlook important factors such as shading and the role of macrophytes in nutrient cycles. Future research should focus on exploring these factors and developing a conceptual framework to guide macrophyte growth modeling. Emphasizing modularity and accessibility is also important for improving efforts to model and manage riverine ecosystems.
Review
Plant Sciences
Alba Martin, Jordi Corbera, Oriol Cano, Catherine Preece, Josep Penuelas, Francesc Sabater, Marcos Fernandez-Martinez
Summary: Bryophytes can play a significant role in ecosystem processes and hold potential as bio-indicators for monitoring environmental pollution. This study examined the effects of NO3- pollution on the elemental composition of aquatic and semi-aquatic bryophytes and identified suitable species as bio-indicators. Higher NO3- concentrations were found in spring water from intense farming and urban areas, positively correlated with N content and delta N-15 isotope ratio in bryophytes. Apopellia endiviifolia and Oxyrrhynchium speciosum were highlighted as promising candidates for bio-indication of aquatic NO3- pollution.
Article
Plant Sciences
Christine B. Rohal, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Charles W. Martin, Sarah Tevlin, Laura K. Reynolds
Summary: This study investigated the seed production, seed banking, and germination cues of sub-tropical Vallisneria americana. It was found that the seeds of sub-tropical populations were dormant and could only germinate in the presence of organic material, light, or following scarification. Germination rate was enhanced by the presence of low-oxygen organic sediments and ethanol. These findings suggest a germination strategy focused on exploiting openings in existing vegetation following disturbance.
Article
Plant Sciences
Fabiano Faga, Carlos Frederico Deluqui Gurgel
Summary: Climate change is altering the distribution of marine biota, including Sargassum species. Future changes in abiotic variables are predicted to cause shifts in the latitudinal range and suitability area of Sargassum species. These changes may have significant impacts on marine ecosystems.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ulo Mander, Martin Maddison, Alex C. Valach, Kaido Soosaar, Keit Kill, Kuno Kasak
Summary: Constructed wetlands treating runoff from agricultural catchments can reduce nutrient load of water, but they can also be significant sources of greenhouse gases, especially methane. This study assessed methane emission potentials and phosphorus removal efficiency in a 0.45 ha in-stream surface flow constructed wetland, and analyzed the temporal dynamics of methane emissions and phosphorus removal over a nearly 4-year period. The results showed a clear seasonal dynamic in phosphorus removal efficiency and an increasing trend in methane emissions over the years, with the majority of methane fluxes occurring during the warm period. Maintenance of the wetland and regular removal of aboveground vegetation can reduce methane emissions, and regular sediment removal is also necessary due to phosphorus saturation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Monsif El Madany, Mustapha Hassoun, Fatima El Aamri, Noureddine El Mtili
Summary: The non-indigenous brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae is invading and proliferating massively in the northwest of Morocco, including the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jessa May Malanguis, Tim Sierens, Ludwig Triest
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of movement ecology and dispersal mechanism in the dynamics and resilience of seagrass populations and ecosystems. The comparison of genetic diversity and fine-scaled structure of two co-occurring seagrass species reveals the significance of different survival strategies and reproductive modes. These findings have important implications for conservation efforts, suggesting the preservation of natural expansion and local seed recruitment for successful conservation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhi-Huan Chen, Rui Zhang, Jun-Cai Xin, Zi-Han Qian, Shu-Jie Wang, Shang-Yan Qiu, Xue-Ge He, Chao Si
Summary: Nutrient availability and light intensity play important roles in the expansion of amphibious clonal plants from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. High nutrient levels and light conditions promote the growth of the apical portions and overall performance of the clones. Maintaining clonal integration can benefit the expansion of the plants by optimizing resource utilization. These findings have implications for predicting community dynamics and vegetation restoration in ecotones like wetlands.
