The contributions of primary sources to fauna and the trophic structure in tropical seagrass areas: A case study from Thai waters

Abstract

Seagrass provides habitat and resources for various organisms in coastal areas. However, the productivity of a seagrass meadow might vary by its size, which can influence the contribution of primary sources to fauna and the food web structure. This study uses stable isotopes to investigate the contribution of sources to faunas and the associated food web structure in two tropical seagrass meadows. The carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes of primary sources such as mangrove leaf, coastal and riverine particulate organic matter, seagrass material and associated fauna (fish, bivalves, gastropods, crab, shrimp) were investigated from samples collected seagrass meadows of different sizes, at Libong Island and Tharai Island in Thailand. The contribution of the primary sources to the fauna diet showed that seagrass material was the main food source for fauna in both sites. Moreover, the trophic niche did not overlap among the groups of each fauna guild, reflecting the support seagrass provides to resident fauna. The study emphasizes the important role of seagrass as a habitat and feeding ground in tropical coastal ecosystems.