Journal article
Zostera marina seagrass beds enhance the attachment of the invasive alga Sargassum muticum in soft sediments
Marine Ecology Progress Series, Vol.354, pp.305-309
2008
Abstract
The first reports of Sargassum muticum occurring in British waters coincided with a warning that this invasive alga may replace seagrass beds, particularly those of Zostera marina. Initial fears were allayed when subsequent research suggested that both species required different attachment substrata, and, therefore, S. muticum would be unable to replace Zostera beds on soft sediments. Here, however, we present evidence supporting the original warning: contrary to previous research we found that S. muticum is able to successfully colonise soft sediments and, furthermore, that the presence of Z. marina may aid attachment. The majority of S. muticum plants within Zostera beds studied at Salcombe, SW England, were found attached within the soft sediment; outside of the seagrass bed, however, this occurred in greatly reduced numbers. Therefore, we suggest that the presence of Z. marina may actually enhance S. muticum colonization of soft sediments, trapping drifting fragments and allowing viable algae to settle on the seagrass matrix in an otherwise unfavorable environment. The consequences for the invasion of seagrass beds by S. muticum may therefore be more severe than previously thought.
Details
- Title
- Zostera marina seagrass beds enhance the attachment of the invasive alga Sargassum muticum in soft sediments
- Authors/Creators
- J. Tweedley (Author/Creator)E.L. Jackson (Author/Creator)M.J. Attrill (Author/Creator) - University of Plymouth
- Publication Details
- Marine Ecology Progress Series, Vol.354, pp.305-309
- Publisher
- Inter-Research
- Identifiers
- 991005544400807891
- Copyright
- © Inter-Research 2008
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.2 Marine Biology
- 3.2.509 Marine Algae
- Web Of Science research areas
- Ecology
- Marine & Freshwater Biology
- Oceanography
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology