Midsummer metabolism of an eelgrass community

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Eelgrass ( Zostera marina) is the dominant member of an important intertidal ecosystem found in many parts of the world. In this preliminary study the metabolism of the entire eelgrass community, including epiphytic plants and other organisms, has been measured in Great South Bay on Long Island, New York. In July it is in equilibrium and consumes as much oxygen as it produces, but in August both photosynthesis and respriation are reduced, with a net increase in oxygen production. This is due largely to the rapid growth of epiphytes during that month.