Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001
| SS33 Human Impacts and Activities on Riverine Ecosystems (Science and Society Connections) |
| Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001, Time: 10:30:00 AM |
| Location: Galisteo |
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| Hertler, H, , The Academy of Natural Sciences, Patrick Center for Environmental Research, Philadelphia, USA, hertler@acnatsci.org |
| Kreeger, D, A, The Academy of Natural Sciences/Patrick Center for Environmental Research, Philadelphia, USA, kreeger@acnatsci.org |
| Ramirez-Toro, G, I, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, San German, Puerto Rico, cecia@prtc.net |
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| EFFECTS OF NEW LAND DEVELOPMENT ON SEAGRASSES AT LA PARGUERA, PUERTO RICO |
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| New land development at La Parguera, Puerto Rico, has impacted the shallow benthic community by increasing sediment runoff and decreasing light available to the seagrass community. In areas near new development, seagrass shoot density and percent cover were reduced or absent compared with reference locations upstream in the long-shore current. Reduced seagrass health was associated with decreased light, increased sedimentation and increased epiphyte load. Elevated epiphyte loads near new development were correlated with high seston chlorophyll-a concentrations, suggesting the presence of a local point source of nutrients. Total suspended solids, in particular the inorganic fraction, were significantly higher in waters sampled near new development. Increased sedimentation rates were associated with the elevated TSS inorganic fraction. Results from X-radiography suggest that this inorganic fraction was terrestrial in origin. Despite the terrestrial source, the overall sediment composition was not significantly different in areas devoid of seagrass compared with sites with abundant seagrass. Seagrasses might therefore be able to re-colonize disturbed areas near new development if nutrient and sediment inputs can be reduced, thereby reducing epiphyte fouling and increasing water clarity, respectively. |
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