Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) decline at Dumas Bay, WA (USA): patterns and possible causes
Presentation Abstract
Long-term monitoring at Dumas Bay (located in Federal Way, Washington) has shown a significant decrease in eelgrass area and distribution. Since sampling began in 2000, as part of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Submerged Vegetation Monitoring Program, eelgrass area has decreased from approximately 2.3 ha to 0.3 ha in 2014 and is now only found in the western-most portion of the bay. This study explores possible factors that have contributed to this decline, such as increased environmental stressors or interspecific competition. Using 15 years of video imagery, we compare changes in presence/absence and percent cover of nuisance algae (Ulva spp.) and eelgrass. Timeline data for several parameters, which influence water clarity and quality (i.e. streamflow, precipitation, light and temperature), were compiled to analyze the relationship between eelgrass extent and nearshore environmental drivers. Eelgrass provides a wide range of ecological services and is an indicator of habitat condition. Given the importance of eelgrass to the Puget Sound ecosystem, it is critical to identify and understand factors that cause eelgrass decline and whether changing environmental conditions have impacted the abundance and distribution of eelgrass at Dumas Bay.
Session Title
The Role of Eelgrass Ecosystems in the Salish Sea
Conference Track
Habitat
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2016 12:00 AM
End Date
2016 12:00 AM
Location
2016SSEC
Type of Presentation
Poster
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Zostera marina--Monitoring--Washington (State)--Federal Way
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Federal Way (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) decline at Dumas Bay, WA (USA): patterns and possible causes
2016SSEC
Long-term monitoring at Dumas Bay (located in Federal Way, Washington) has shown a significant decrease in eelgrass area and distribution. Since sampling began in 2000, as part of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Submerged Vegetation Monitoring Program, eelgrass area has decreased from approximately 2.3 ha to 0.3 ha in 2014 and is now only found in the western-most portion of the bay. This study explores possible factors that have contributed to this decline, such as increased environmental stressors or interspecific competition. Using 15 years of video imagery, we compare changes in presence/absence and percent cover of nuisance algae (Ulva spp.) and eelgrass. Timeline data for several parameters, which influence water clarity and quality (i.e. streamflow, precipitation, light and temperature), were compiled to analyze the relationship between eelgrass extent and nearshore environmental drivers. Eelgrass provides a wide range of ecological services and is an indicator of habitat condition. Given the importance of eelgrass to the Puget Sound ecosystem, it is critical to identify and understand factors that cause eelgrass decline and whether changing environmental conditions have impacted the abundance and distribution of eelgrass at Dumas Bay.
