Investigating Potential Effects of the Macroalga Caulerpa prolifera on Restoration of the Seagrass Halodule wrightii in the Indian River Lagoon, FL

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Restoration of seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon estuary (IRL) has been motivated by widespread declines in coverage. Areal extent of seagrasses declined by 58% between 2011 and 2019. During this time, the abundance of the macroalga Caulerpa prolifera has increased in areas that formerly contained seagrasses. This project aims to explore possible effects of C. prolifera on the seagrass Halodule wrightii with controlled mesocosm and field experiments simulating seagrass restoration. We tested the effect of varying densities of C. prolifera on growth of planted fragments of H. wrightii for the mesocosm experiment. Six recirculating-water mesocosms contained replicate containers that were monitored weekly, each planted with two fragments of H. wrightii within 2%, 25%, and 85% cover patches of C. prolifera. To characterize the relationship between the two species, seagrass growth response metrics were analyzed. After seven weeks, leaf growth and percent cover of H. wrightii were greatest adjacent to 2% cover of C. prolifera and control containers (MANCOVA: p < 0.0001). In spring 2025, H. wrightii will be planted neighboring C. prolifera at five sites in the Indian River & Banana River estuaries. Growth outcomes will be compared to control plots at sites. Project results will improve selection of restoration sites in areas with C. prolifera and help understand the macroalga’s role in IRL ecology.

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Locations:

Mathematical Sciences Building: MSB 110 [ View Website ]

Contact:

Dr. Linda Walters Linda.Walters@ucf.edu

Calendar:

Biology Department Calendar

Category:

Speaker/Lecture/Seminar

Tags:

Thesis Defense