Three sites in the Indian River, Florida were studied to determine primary production
in seagrass meadows. Production rates were obtained for 3 species of seagrasses
(Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme and Halodule wrightii), associated epiphytic flora,
benthic microalgae and phytoplankton. Photosynthetic rates for Indian River seagrasses in March
and July ranged between 0.009-0.395 mg C/g dry wt-h for H. wrightii , 0.005-0.79 for T.
testudinum, and 0.009-1.72 for S. filiforme. Epiphytic productivity per g dry wt varied considerably
between stations and from season to season. Productivity maxima for H. wrightii and S.
filiforme occurred at the Jim Island station; Thalassia testudinum demonstrated maximum
photosynthetic response at Link Port. Phytoplankton, benthic microalgae and epiphytic production
were similar at each station and increased slightly from March to July. However, their absolute
importance in community productivity changed dramatically depending upon the contribution
of the seagrass species.
Member of
Contributors
Publisher
Florida Academy of Sciences.
Date Issued
1983
Note
Language
Type
Genre
Form
Extent
13 p.
Subject (Topical)
Identifier
FA00007477
Additional Information
Three sites in the Indian River, Florida were studied to determine primary production
in seagrass meadows. Production rates were obtained for 3 species of seagrasses
(Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme and Halodule wrightii), associated epiphytic flora,
benthic microalgae and phytoplankton. Photosynthetic rates for Indian River seagrasses in March
and July ranged between 0.009-0.395 mg C/g dry wt-h for H. wrightii , 0.005-0.79 for T.
testudinum, and 0.009-1.72 for S. filiforme. Epiphytic productivity per g dry wt varied considerably
between stations and from season to season. Productivity maxima for H. wrightii and S.
filiforme occurred at the Jim Island station; Thalassia testudinum demonstrated maximum
photosynthetic response at Link Port. Phytoplankton, benthic microalgae and epiphytic production
were similar at each station and increased slightly from March to July. However, their absolute
importance in community productivity changed dramatically depending upon the contribution
of the seagrass species.
in seagrass meadows. Production rates were obtained for 3 species of seagrasses
(Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme and Halodule wrightii), associated epiphytic flora,
benthic microalgae and phytoplankton. Photosynthetic rates for Indian River seagrasses in March
and July ranged between 0.009-0.395 mg C/g dry wt-h for H. wrightii , 0.005-0.79 for T.
testudinum, and 0.009-1.72 for S. filiforme. Epiphytic productivity per g dry wt varied considerably
between stations and from season to season. Productivity maxima for H. wrightii and S.
filiforme occurred at the Jim Island station; Thalassia testudinum demonstrated maximum
photosynthetic response at Link Port. Phytoplankton, benthic microalgae and epiphytic production
were similar at each station and increased slightly from March to July. However, their absolute
importance in community productivity changed dramatically depending upon the contribution
of the seagrass species.
Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution 278
This manuscript is an author version with the final
publication available and may be cited as: Heffernan, J. J., & Gibson, R. A. (1983). A comparison of
primary production rates in Indian River, Florida seagrass systems. Florida Scientist, 46(3-4), 295-306.
publication available and may be cited as: Heffernan, J. J., & Gibson, R. A. (1983). A comparison of
primary production rates in Indian River, Florida seagrass systems. Florida Scientist, 46(3-4), 295-306.
Date Backup
1983
Date Text
1983
Date Issued (EDTF)
1983
Extension
FAU
IID
FA00007477
Organizations
Attributed name: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Person Preferred Name
Heffernan, John J.
Physical Description
13 p.
Title Plain
A comparison of primary production rates in Indian River, Florida seagrass systems
Origin Information
1983
Florida Academy of Sciences.
Orlando, FL
Place
Orlando, FL
Title
A comparison of primary production rates in Indian River, Florida seagrass systems
Other Title Info
A comparison of primary production rates in Indian River, Florida seagrass systems