Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS40 Long-Term Research Programs in the Twenty-first Century (Spatial and Temporal Connections)

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001, Time: 4:15:00 PM

Location: Ruidoso/Pecos

Agius, B, P, University of Maryland, College Park, USA, bagius@wam.umd.edu

Sebens, K, P, University of Maryland, College Park, USA, ks95@umail.umd.edu

COMMUNITY ECOLOGY OF ROCKY SHORES: LONG-TERM RESEARCH IN THE SUBTIDAL ZONE (1978-2001)

Rocky subtidal communities at three sites in northern Massachusetts have been under continuous study for 23 years. Methods include photography of marked quadrats, transects to enumerate predator abundance, and measurement of selected aspects of the physical environment. Since 1978, there has been a dramatic increase in sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) population density and a decrease in most fish populations. We have also recorded the appearance and community effects of several nonindigenous species. Horizontal surfaces dominated by kelp and foliose red algae during 1978-1988 were reduced to urchin barrens when urchins expanded into new areas in 1988-1989. The synergistic effects of urchin population increase and the appearance of several nonindigenous species within one decade caused a major shift in invertebrate and algal assemblages at these sites. Continued high urchin densities could favor urchin-resistant spatial dominants, including coralline algae, sea anemones (Metridium senile), sponges (Isodictya spp.), and nonindigenous species such as Botrylloides sp. Long-term monitoring of dynamic multidecadal changes in benthic communities is essential to understand how such communities function, as well as for conservation and management efforts.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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