Haznet Research Topic - Habitat Protection
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Title: A Guide to planting seagrasses in the Gulf of Mexico.
Author: Fonseca Mark S.
Year: 93
Program#: TAMU-SG-94-601
# Pages: 27
Abstract: Seagrasses form one of the most productive plant communities
on the planet. They provide valuable and virtually irreplaceable habitat
for numerous recreational and commercial fishery organisms as well as
their prey. Tremendous losses for this habitat have occurred in the Gulf
of Mexico as a result of coastal development. Losses to seagrass habitats
may be slowed or even reversed through properly planned and executed planting
projects. This handbook was developed to guide agency personnel and private
consultants involved in wetland permitting, mitigation and restoration
through the successful completion of these projects.
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NSGD#: CUIMR-R-86-008
Title: Catastrophic events reveal the dynamic nature of salt-marsh
vegetation in southern California.
Author: Zedler Joy B.; Covin Jordan; Nordby Chris; et al.
Citation: "Estuaries," 9(1):75-80, March 1986.
Year: 86
Abstract: Recent hydrological disturbances, including flooding,
dry-season streamflow, and drought, greatly altered coastal wetland habitats
in southern California. A six-year study of salt-marsh vegetation patterns
during these rare conditions documented substantial temporal variability
in plant growth and distribution. Important to cordgrass dynamics were
the amount and timing of streamflows, which reduced soil salinity and
alleviated stresses on plant growth. Poorest growing conditions occurred
in 1984 when both river and tidal flows were lacking; soils had low moisture
and extreme salinities. Plant stress was documented in 1984 as high mortality
and reduced height. Cordgrass height was greatest in 1980 following winter
flooding; densities were greatest in 1983 with summer freshwater influxes.
A carbon allocation model is proposed to explain the varied responses.
Notes: 4084 ecol $1.00 (no charge for single copies to California
residents); check payable to U.C. Regents. Marsh vegetation responses
to hydrological disturbances.
