Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS15 Biomechanics: Making the Connection Between Physics and Biology at the Organismal Level (Disciplinary Connections)

Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2001, Time: 12:00:00 PM

Location: Mesilla

Hitchcock, G, L, University of Miami/RSMAS, Miami, USA, ghitchcock@rsmas.miami.edu

Arnold, W, S, Florida Marine Research Institute, St. Petersburg, USA, bill.arnold@fwc.state.fl.us

Wanninkhof, R, , AOML/NOAA, Miami, USA, wanninkhof@aoml.noaa.gov

LARVAL CLAM DISPERSION IN RELATION TO PIGMENT LEVELS IN A BASIN OF THE BANANA RIVER, FLORIDA

Experiments are underway in Florida estuaries to evaluate the efficacy of re-establishing shellfish populations through the intentional release of larvae. In May, 2000 we evaluated the potential food limitation of hard clam larvae following the release of a patch of 5 x 10^8 larvae in a basin of the Banana River. Concurrent deployments of a nontoxic tracer (sulfur hexafluoride), surface drifters, and fluorescent-labeled larvae permitted us to track the patch and evaluate phytoplankton pigment levels with respect to larval nutritional requirements based on published feeding studies. Phytoplankton pigment levels in the basin within the size range required by larvae was relatively low, < 1 mg/m3. However, peak larval concentrations rapidly declined as the patch dispersed throughout the 30 km^2 shallow basin. Diffusion coefficients measured from SF_6 distributions at the short time (day) and space (kms) scales of interest were comparable to the limited data available from previously published studies. In general, larval diffusion reduced the potential for food limitation in the patch.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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