Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
4 Record Views
Thesis
Comparing nutrient recycling in fishes and crabs from seagrass beds in Santa Rosa Sound, FL and Grand Bay, MS
University of West Florida Libraries
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2025
Abstract
Consumers, such as fishes, consume and release essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus providing a vital role in biogeochemical cycling. Yet the exact role and contribution of different consumer species is still unknown. Seagrass ecosystems support a high diversity of species of both conservation and commercial interest and act as a nursery ground for juveniles of many species. However, compared to other coastal ecosystems, such as coral reefs and salt marsh habitats, seagrass ecosystems have historically received less attention. In this study, two systems in the northern Gulf of Mexico were investigated: Santa Rosa Sound, FL and Grand Bay, MS. Three species, each from different trophic levels, were selected to assess the role these species play in returning nutrients to seagrass beds. Cynoscion nebulosus (carnivore), Lagodon rhomboides (herbivore), and Callinectes sapidus (omnivore) were chosen based on different feeding strategies and trophic level. Fecal samples, along with seagrass and sediment samples, were collected to quantify carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace metal (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) concentrations and compare between the two locations. Fecal matter from fishes and crabs exhibited the potential for substantial contributions to nutrient pools, specifically phosphorus by C. nebulosus. Substantial contributions to trace metal pools were also seen in fishes and crab fecal matter, particularly Mn and Fe in L. rhomboides and Cu in C. sapidus. These findings are the first from the Gulf of Mexico and contribute to the understanding of the role consumers play in the flow of nutrients within a seagrass ecosystem, as well as the importance of consumers to seagrass bed habitats
Details
- Title
- Comparing nutrient recycling in fishes and crabs from seagrass beds in Santa Rosa Sound, FL and Grand Bay, MS
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Jane Caffrey (Committee Chair)Alexis Janosik (Committee Member)Zachary Darnell (Committee Member)Sarah Tominack (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 76
- Copyright
- © 2025 Anthony Rhein Alberda
- Identifiers
- 99381559132206600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida