Benthic metabolism across a gradient of anthropogenic impact in three shallow coastal lagoons in NW Florida

Comparison of Macrobenthic Assemblages in Shallow Coastal Lagoons (Northwest Florida) with Different Level of Anthropogenic Effect

“…We studied the effects of anthropogenic pressure on the composition of the benthic community in three shallow coastal lagoons located in Perdido Bay (northwest Florida): State Park (30.308uN, 87.403uW), Kees Bayou (30.313uN,87.469uW),and Gongora (30.305uN,87.424uW). These lagoons are shallow, relatively small in size, connect to the same body of water, and experience similar tidal cycles, salinities, and temperatures (Stutes et al, 2007). However, they are differently affected by human activities and contain different coverage of seagrasses (Halodule wrightii and Ruppia maritima) (Table 1), ranging from a total absence of coverage in Gongora to 4.2% 6 0.4% [mean 6 standard error (SE)] in Kees Bayou and 64.5% 6 1.0% in State Park (Stutes et al, 2007).…”

“…These lagoons are shallow, relatively small in size, connect to the same body of water, and experience similar tidal cycles, salinities, and temperatures (Stutes et al, 2007). However, they are differently affected by human activities and contain different coverage of seagrasses (Halodule wrightii and Ruppia maritima) (Table 1), ranging from a total absence of coverage in Gongora to 4.2% 6 0.4% [mean 6 standard error (SE)] in Kees Bayou and 64.5% 6 1.0% in State Park (Stutes et al, 2007). The absence of seagrass in Gongora and the low seagrass in Kees Bayou appear to be an indirect consequence of eutrophication and dredging (Stutes et al, 2007).…”

“…The absence of seagrass in Gongora and the low seagrass in Kees Bayou appear to be an indirect consequence of eutrophication and dredging (Stutes et al, 2007). Gongora and Kees Bayou receive higher nitrogen (N) loads than does State Park, which is likely due to greater nearby development (Gongora: 27.7 (Stutes et al, 2007). Both Gongora and Kees Bayou are occasionally dredged.…”

“…Both Gongora and Kees Bayou are occasionally dredged. Additional information about the lagoons and their characteristics can be found in Stutes et al (2007).…”

“…However, they are differently affected by human activities and contain different coverage of seagrasses (Halodule wrightii and Ruppia maritima) (Table 1), ranging from a total absence of coverage in Gongora to 4.2% 6 0.4% [mean 6 standard error (SE)] in Kees Bayou and 64.5% 6 1.0% in State Park (Stutes et al, 2007). The absence of seagrass in Gongora and the low seagrass in Kees Bayou appear to be an indirect consequence of eutrophication and dredging (Stutes et al, 2007). Gongora and Kees Bayou receive higher nitrogen (N) loads than does State Park, which is likely due to greater nearby development (Gongora: 27.7 (Stutes et al, 2007).…”