Effects of two hurricanes onSyringodium filiforme, manatee grass, within the Loxahatchee River estuary, Southeast Florida |
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| Authors: | Mary S Ridler Richard C Dent D Albrey Arrinton |
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| Institution: | (1) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149, USA;(2) NOAA/National Geodetic Survey, 1315 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA;(3) NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149, USA;(4) Biscayne National Park, 9700 Southwest 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033, USA |
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| Abstract: | In September 2004, the Loxahatchee River Estuary was affected by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, which resulted in a monthly
rainfall record of 610 mm and abnormally high freshwater discharges to the system. The occurrence, density, and biomass ofSyringodium filiforme in the Loxahatchee River Estuary declined significantly following the September 2004 storms based on 15 mo of pre-hurricane
monitoring and 12 mo of post-hurricane monitoring. Throughout posthurricane monitoring,S. filiforme showed no sign of recovery, thoughHalophila johnsonii increased considerably during the post-hurricane period. Freshwater discharges resulting from the September 2004 hurricanes
lowered minimum daily salinity values to near zero and increased standard deviation of daily salinity values to 11‰. Extremely
low minimum daily salinity values and high daily salinity fluctuations likely resulted in the observed decline ofS. filiforme. We advise the use of minimum daily salinity values when assessing seagrass habitat suitability or when modeling the effects
of alternative water management scenarios. |
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