Intertidal Position Research Articles

Microbiota of the Digestive Glands and Extrapallial Fluids of Clams Evolve Differently Over Time Depending on the Intertidal Position.

The Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is the second most exploited bivalve in the world but remains threatened by diseases and global changes. Their associated microbiota play a key role in their fitness and acclimation capacities. This study aimed at better understanding the behavior of clam digestive glands and extrapallial fluids microbiota at small, but contrasting spatial and temporal scales. Results showed that environmental variations impacted clam microbiota differently according to the considered tissue. Each clam tissue presented its own microbiota and showed different dynamics according to the intertidal position and sampling period. Extrapallial fluids microbiota was modified more rapidly than digestive glands microbiota, for clams placed on the upper and lower intertidal position, respectively. Clam tissues could be considered as different microhabitats for bacteria as they presented different responses to small-scale temporal and spatial variabilities in natural conditions. These differences underlined a more stringent environmental filter capacity of the digestive glands.

Fine-scale spatial variability in organic carbon in a temperate mangrove forest: Implications for estimating carbon stocks in blue carbon ecosystems

Mangrove ecosystems have the potential to store large amounts of carbon but detailed studies on the fine scale spatial variability of biomass components and sediment organic carbon (SOC) and their relationships are lacking. Here we investigated the fine-scale spatial variation of SOC, aboveground and belowground biomass using systematic grid sampling in a temperate Avicennia marina ((Forssk.) Vierh) forest in Australia. We estimated aboveground biomass in a 9 × 9 sampling grid within a 0.16 ha plot and measured SOC, fine root biomass and necromass down to 1 m at 81 sampling points in an A. marina forest in Western Port Bay near Melbourne, Australia. We detected large differences in all measured carbon pools. SOC increased from low to high intertidal position but showed no consistent trend with depth. Aboveground biomass carbon was highly variable (mean 84 ± 56 Mg C ha−1), and showed no consistent trends with intertidal position. The average total organic carbon stock at the study site was 207 ± 80 Mg C ha−1. Aboveground biomass contributed 41% and coarse roots around 6% to the total carbon content of the forest. The bulk of organic carbon in the ecosystem was SOC (53%) and necromass was an important contributor to SOC. Aboveground biomass was a poor predictor of all belowground carbon pools. Our data indicate that 43 sediment cores would be required to determine mean SOC content at the level required by international carbon accounting standards. The high spatial variability of all carbon stocks in the system indicates that current sampling strategies for SOC need to be revised in order to improve predictions of the amount of carbon stored in blue carbon ecosystems.

Rhizophora zonation, salinity, and nutrients in the western atlantic

AbstractRhizophora is the dominant genus of mangrove forests on the Atlantic coast of northern South America. What determines the zonation frequently observed in sympatric populations of the two neotropical species, R. mangle and R. racemosa, and their hybrids, R. × harrisonii, is an open question. The most widely held hypothesis is that differences in salinity tolerance among the taxonomic groups explain the observed zonation. To address this question, we analyzed the elemental composition of soils and canopy leaves from 60 Rhizophora spp. trees distributed in different intertidal zones of an estuarine site of the Paria Gulf, Venezuela. The low intertidal zone showed lower salinity, organic matter, C, N, S, and Na, and higher bulk density, Al, Fe, and Mn concentrations compared with the higher intertidal zones. Using morphological characters and microsatellite molecular markers, we identified 39 pure R. mangle, 19 hybrids, and only two pure R. racemosa. We found that both intertidal position and taxonomic groups explained most of the differences in leaf variables measured across trees. The ratio Mg/Ca, however, was higher in R. mangle than in R. racemosa and hybrids regardless of intertidal position. Moreover, at some specific intertidal position, R. mangle differed from R. racemosa and hybrids in the values of C, N, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, C/N, K/Ca, S/Ca, and δ13C. We conclude that despite the scarcity of R. racemosa and the absence of a clear species zonation, our results suggest that R. mangle copes with salinity differently than R. racemosa and R. × harrisonii.

The marine intertidal zone shapes oyster and clam digestive bacterial microbiota.

Digestive microbiota provide a wide range of beneficial effects on host physiology and are therefore likely to play a key role in marine intertidal bivalve ability to acclimatize to the intertidal zone. This study investigated the effect of intertidal levels on the digestive bacterial microbiota of oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum), two bivalves with different ecological niches. Based on 16S rRNA region sequencing, digestive glands, seawater and sediments harbored specific bacterial communities, dominated by operational taxonomic units assigned to the Mycoplasmatales,Desulfobacterales and Rhodobacterales orders, respectively. Field implantation modified digestive bacterial microbiota of both bivalve species according to their intertidal position. Rhodospirillales and Legionellales abundances increased in oysters and clams from the low intertidal level, respectively. After a 14-day depuration process, these effects were still observed, especially for clams, while digestive bacterial microbiota of oysters were subjected to more short-term environmental changes. Nevertheless, 3.5 months stay on an intertidal zone was enough to leave an environmental footprint on the digestive bacterial microbiota, suggesting the existence of autochthonous bivalve bacteria. When comparing clams from the three intertidal levels, 20% of the bacterial assemblage was shared among the levels and it was dominated by an operational taxonomic unit affiliated to the Mycoplasmataceae and Spirochaetaceae families.

Spatial and temporal variation in algal epiphyte distribution on Ulva sp. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) from northern Patagonia in Argentina

:In this study of northern Patagonia in Argentina, we examined the annual cycle of the epiphyte composition and abundance on Ulva sp. with respect to intertidal elevation, season and position on host. We found spatial segregation in most environmental gradients. Local environmental conditions, intertidal levels, seasons and portion of host thalli had specific patterns of algal epiphytic community. The host population exhibited seasonality and differential morphological attributes according to the intertidal elevation. Thalli of Ulva sp. had the highest maximum diameters and were heavier in spring and summer at the upper elevation. Epiphytes were more abundant growing on host thalli at middle elevations. Epiphytic Dinophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae presented clear seasonality. Epiphyte abundances were related to periods with high seawater temperature, long days and high radiation. Lyngbya sp., Cocconeis sp., Navicula spp., Rhabdonema arcuatum, Stylonema alsidii and Myrionema strangulans had the highest frequency. The highest epiphyte abundance was observed in holdfasts, with M. strangulans having the highest frequency and cover. These results are relevant to commercial aquaculture ventures for food and feed sources and application in bioremediation.

Seasonal changes in the thermal regime and gastropod tolerance to temperature and desiccation stress in the rocky intertidal zone

The upper end of a species distribution in the rocky intertidal zone is determined by abiotic stress tolerance. Hobo probes recorded intertidal temperatures throughout the rocky intertidal zone every 5min from March 2015 through May 2016. Probes were placed at +2.0m, +1.5m, +1.0m, +0.5m and 0m above mean lower low water. Emersion duration and temperature increased as a function of probe height for the eastern and southern transect probes from May through August 2015 but were not significantly different between spring and neap tide periods. The maximum emersion temperature of intertidal probes during the summer of 2015 was 31.65°C and the minimum air temperature was −3.42°C at +1.5 and 2.0m during the winter. Duration of exposure to freezing also increased with intertidal height. High temperature, freeze temperature and desiccation emersion tolerance of Nucella lamellosa; N. canaliculata; N. ostrina; Littorina sitkana; and L. scutulata were studied to examine the idea that upper distribution limits are set by abiotic stressors and different species along the intertidal gradient should exhibit differential sensitivities. Snail tolerances varied directly with their intertidal position. Emersion temperatures during the summer were well below species high temperature LT50 values for the Littorines and N. lamellosa but near those of N. canaliculata and N. ostrina; these latter two species may be physiologically stressed and utilize behavioral avoidance strategies. Emersion temperatures below freezing occurred in November and December 2015 and January 2016 at the 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0m levels. Minimum freezing air temperatures in the intertidal zone were well above the freeze tolerance of low intertidal N. lamellosa, and high intertidal L. sitkana and L. scutulata but within the freeze tolerance range of mid intertidal N. canaliculata and N. ostrina indicating that they may be stressed and behavioral avoidance strategies may be operative.

Microphytobenthos interannual variations in a north-European estuary (Loire estuary, France) detected by visible-infrared multispectral remote sensing

Estuarine intertidal sediments are colonized by photosynthetic microorganisms grouped under the generic term of microphytobenthos (MPB). These microbial assemblages form transient biofilms at the sediment surface and have important ecosystem functions. MPB biofilms are well known to exhibit high microscale patchiness whereas meso- and macroscale spatio-temporal structures are little known. In this work, satellite remote sensing was used to map MPB assemblages at such scales. MPB interannual distribution was investigated in the poly- and mesohaline domain of the north-European estuary (Loire estuary), using a multispectral SPOT image time series (1991–2009). The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated from two SPOT channels, XS2 and XS3, (red and near-infrared wavelengths, respectively). MPB biofilms were identified by NDVI values between 0 and 0.3. At the scale of the whole intertidal area, the results showed that MPB biofilms in the Loire estuary exhibited perennial structures in both the polyhaline and mesohaline sectors, occupying nearly 90% of the mudflat surfaces. MPB biofilm density was closely associated with intertidal position, with thicker biofilms developing mostly in the upper and middle shore, and formed kilometric longitudinal structures parallel to the shoreline. Mean NDVI values showed a strong positive correlation with mean seasonal air temperature (τ = 0.714, p < 0.05 in the polyhaline domain and τ = 0.810, p < 0.05 in the mesohaline domain), with a strong correlation in the upper intertidal mudflat (between +3 and 4 m isobaths). Negative wind effect was mainly detected in the upper intertidal areas, particularly between the +3 and 4 m isobaths (τ = −0.810, p < 0.05 in the polyhaline domain and τ = −0.910 in the mesohaline).

Differential nutrient uptake by two segregated red algae in an estuarine intertidal zone

SÁnchez de Pedro R., Niell F.X. and Carmona R. 2013. Differential nutrient uptake by two segregated red algae in an estuarine intertidal zone. Phycologia 52: 461–471. DOI: 10.2216/13-147.1Bostrychia scorpioides (Rhodophyta: Ceramiales) and Catenella caespitosa (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales) were segregated but slightly overlapping in the narrow intertidal of the Palmones River Estuary (Southern Spain). This study investigated whether there were interspecific differences in nutrient uptake capabilities and how meaningful these were to zonation. Uptake kinetics of ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate were measured over successive time intervals across a range of environmentally realistic concentrations. The interactions between ammonium and nitrate in mixed N source uptake were also tested. Using internal N and P content, turnover rates were calculated for each species for periods of emersion and submersion. Nutrient uptake kinetics were saturable for almost all nutrients except for ammonium in B. scorpioides, which showed surge uptake responses through linear kinetics. Vmax and affinity progressively decreased over 3 h for all nutrients in C. caespitosa and only for phosphate in B. scorpioides. At high dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations both species exhibited greater uptake rates for ammonium than nitrate; although, similar N uptake rates were obtained at the low ones. Ammonium contributed to the total N uptake in B. scorpioides to a greater extent; whereas, in C. caespitosa, this only occurred at high N concentrations. In mixed N source uptake experiments, ammonium and nitrate uptake rates by B. scorpioides decreased when the other N source was equimolarly supplied, while in C. caespitosa these interactions were absent. Catenella caespitosa showed a Vmax and affinity for phosphate fourfold higher than for B. scorpioides, with greater interspecific differences than those found for N uptake. Catenella caespitosa renewed internal nutrients faster and was more dependent on the external nutrient supply than B. scorpioides, which can withstand longer periods without nutrient supply due to its slower nutrient turnover rate. Different capabilities for nutrient acquisition in the two species suggested an adaptation to the nutrient availability at each intertidal position.

Plant community organization in New South Wales saltmarshes:species mosaics and potential causes

Saltmarsh communities recognised by Outhred and Buckney (1983) bad Adam et al. (1988) were analysed for similarity, and we suggest that the vegetation of the majority of the mid-intertidal marsh in NSW be considered a single community complex, i.e. a mosaic dominated by Sporoblous virginicus, Sarcocornia quinqueflora and Triglochin striatum, wither alone or in combination. Triglochin appeared to be abundant more often in Outhred and Buckney's (1983) study of Kooragang Island that in the broader survey of NSW saltmarshes conducted by Adam et al. (1988). Our field sampling at Kooragang Island suggested that widespread disturbance by cattle could explain such a difference. We characterised spatial variability within the mid-intertidal saltmarsh mosaic at Kooragang and explored evidence suggesting species interactions. All three dominants were positively associated at the square-meter scale in a heavily grazed saltmarsh at Kooragang Island, but not at reference sites having less disturbance from cattle. Negative correlations of cover estimates between pairs of co-occurring species supported the hypothesis that the three dominants are competitors. We hypothesised that Sporoblous is capable of excluding Triglochin in the absence of canopy and/or rhizosphere disruption. Cattle graze the thick canopy of Sporoblous, and their hooves disrupt its dense rhizosphere allowing pooling of tidal water. These wet gaps appear highly suitable for establishment of the waterlogging-tolerant Triglochin. Observations of Sarcocornia in areas of high salinity, regardless of intertidal position, suggest that hypersalinity shifts the competitive advantage. These hypotheses about what controls dominance need to be tested experimentally, paying careful attention to the size of treatment plots and number of replicates in order to detect small changes in species occurrence and cover.

Quantifying the Evolution of a Beach Protected by Low Crested Structures Using Video Monitoring

Abstract The purpose of this study is to analyse the shoreline response of a beach protected by a system of low crested structures (LCS) and to apply the results to the management of coastal stability problems. This contribution aims to provide heretofore scarce detailed data and observations of the shoreline variability of coasts protected by LCS. These aims are acheived by selecting and monitoring the appropriate Coastal State Indicator (CSI) to describe the state of the beach. The CSI used is the Mean Intertidal Position (MIP), which has been detected by the ARGUS system installed in Lido di Dante, Italy. The error in the shoreline estimation from video was assessed by comparing shorelines detected with global positioning system (GPS) and image analysis over a large number of cases. The horizontal error in the shoreline detection is estimated to be on the order of 0.90 ± 0.74 m, which is acceptable because it is on the same order of magnitude as the swash width. The MIP, which has been monitored over a...

Community composition of the rocky intertidal at Helgoland (German Bight, North Sea)

At the rocky island of Helgoland (North Sea), the distribution and abundances of intertidal communities were assessed and the effects of wave exposure and tidal height on the spatial distribution patterns of the communities were evaluated. Macroalgae and invertebrates were sampled quantitatively along line transects in three intertidal locations, a semi-exposed, an exposed and a sheltered one. The semi-exposed location was characterised by (1) Ulva spp. at the high intertidal (Ulva-community), (2) mussels and periwinkles at the mid intertidal (Mytilus-community) and (3) Corallina officinalis and mainly the large brown alga Fucus serratus at the low intertidal (Fucus-community). The exposed location encompassed the mid and low intertidal; at both zones the Fucus-community occurred. The sheltered location was characterised by (1) barnacles (Balanus-community) and (2) bryozoans, hydrozoans and mainly the large brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum (Ascophyllum-community). At the semi-exposed, but not at the exposed location the communities changed with the intertidal position. A relationship between wave exposure and the occurrence of specific communities was shown for the sheltered location; in contrast, communities of the semi-exposed and the exposed location appear to be little influenced by wave exposure directly. The community concept and the potential causes of distribution patterns of the defined communities are discussed and suggestions for a future monitoring are given. Variations in the communities at different spatial scales speak in favour of a multiple scale sampling design to monitor changes in the intertidal communities at Helgoland.

Growth Performance of Planted Mangroves in the Philippines: Revisiting Forest Management Strategies

The effort toward restoring lost mangroves in the Philippines has been commendably immense, specifically during the past two decades. In light of such, it is important to evaluate outcomes and, where appropriate, apply the lessons learned to the current strategies in mangrove forest management. This article synthesizes the results from several research projects assessing the performance of planted mangroves across the country. Overall, there is a widespread tendency to plant mangroves in areas that are not the natural habitat of mangroves, converting mudflats, sandflats, and seagrass meadows into often monospecific Rhizophora mangrove forests. In these nonmangrove areas, the Rhizophora seedlings experienced high mortality. Of the few that survived (often through persistent and redundant replanting), the young Rhizophora individuals planted in these nonmangrove and often low intertidal zones had dismally stunted growth relative to the corresponding growth performance of individuals thriving at the high intertidal position and natural mangrove sites. From this evidence, this article argues that a more rational focus of the restoration effort should be the replanting of mangroves in the brackish-water aquaculture pond environments, the original habitat of mangroves. For such, a number of management options can be explored, the implementation of which will ultimately depend on the political will of local and national governments.

Population dynamics of naturalised Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum in British coastal waters

The Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum was introduced to Poole Harbour (lat 50°N) on the south coast of England in 1988 as a novel species for aquaculture. Contrary to expectations, this species naturalised. We report on individual growth patterns, recruitment, mortality and production within this population. On the intertidal mudflats the abundance of clams (>5 mm in length) varied seasonally between 18 and 56 individuals m−2. There appear to be two recruitment events per year and there were 6 year classes in the population. A mid-summer decline in abundance was partly due to increased mortality but probably also a result of down-shore migration in response to high water temperatures and the development of anoxic conditions. A winter fishery removes c 75% of clams of fishable size (maximum shell length ≥40 mm) and c 20% of the annual production. The fishery depresses the maximum age and size attained by the clams but appears to be sustainable. Clam mortality due to factors other than fishing is highest in late-winter to early spring. The growth of the clams is intermediate in comparison with many published studies but remarkably good given their intertidal position. As on the coasts of the Adriatic Sea, where the clam is also non-native, the Manila clam has thrived in a shallow, eutrophic, lagoon-like system on the English coast. While the Poole Harbour population is currently Europe’s most northerly reported self-sustaining, naturalised population, given forecasts of increasing air and sea temperatures it might be expected that this species will eventually spread to more sites around the coasts of Northern Europe with associated economic and ecological consequences.

Physiological condition of Balanus amphitrite cyprid larvae determines habitat selection success

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 340:1-8 (2007) - doi:10.3354/meps340001 Physiological condition of Balanus amphitrite cyprid larvae determines habitat selection success Réjean Tremblay1,*, Frédéric Olivier2, Edwin Bourget3, Dan Rittschof4 1Institut des sciences de la mer–Université du Québec à Rimouski, 310 allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec G5L 3A1, Canada 2Station Marine de Dinard USM 0404 (MNHN), Département Milieux et Peuplements Aquatiques, UMR 5178 BOME, 17 avenue George V, BP 70134, 35801 Dinard Cedex, France 3Vice-rectorat à la recherche, Pavillon central, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1K 2R1, Canada 4Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Duke University, 135 Duke Marine Laboratory Road, Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, USA *Email: rejean_tremblay@uqar.qc.ca ABSTRACT: A field experiment was used to assess the relationship between the physiological condition of barnacle larvae and habitat selectivity at settlement. Three experiments were carried out on methacrylate (Plexiglas) disks precolonized with biofilms of different ages (0, 7, 14 and 21 d) that were arranged within 3 blocks and placed at 3 intertidal positions corresponding to the upper limit, mid zone and lower limit of the adult Balanus amphitrite (Darwin) habitat. To limit the effect of post-settlement mortality, each experiment was conducted over 2 full tidal cycles only. During these periods, larvae in the water column were sampled and abundance estimated at each high tide at the depths corresponding to the 3 intertidal positions. Larval physiological condition was assessed using lipid classes analyzed by liquid chromatography. Ratios of total triacylglycerols to sterol content (TAG/ST) were used to quantify the energy status of larvae. Our results indicate that the cyprids’ TAG levels reflect the level of settlement success independent of cyprid abundance in the water column. Intertidal position and biofilm characteristics were significant factors determining the settlement success with respect to cyprid energy content. The number and the energy content of settling cyprids were maximal on clean surfaces and decreased gradually with the degree of biofilm precolonization. Our study shows (1) the importance of lipid levels, particularly TAG, in habitat discrimination at small temporal scales in B. amphitrite cyprids and (2) that larval energy content is a critical variable for understanding benthic–pelagic coupling. KEY WORDS: Larvae · Settlement success · Physiological state · Lipid class · Biofilm · Habitat discrimination Full text in pdf format NextExport citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 340. Online publication date: June 18, 2007 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2007 Inter-Research.

Seasonal and spatial variation in the distribution of mangrove macroalgae in the Clyde River, Australia

The objective of this study was to determine whether there was significant spatial and temporal variation in macroalgae epiphytic on pneumatophores of the Grey Mangrove, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh., in the Clyde River, located 280 km south of Sydney, Australia. Three estuarine sites in the Clyde River were surveyed seasonally on four occasions over a two-year period, and algal distribution and abundance assessed in respect to temporal, inter-site, intertidal (from front to back of mangrove stand) and vertical (from bottom to top of pneumatophores) variation. Sediment and water characteristics, including nutrient levels, were also assessed in order to examine all variables of potential influence on algal distribution and abundance. The results indicated that intertidal position within sites, and vertical height along the length of the pneumatophore, were the greatest influence on algal frequency and biomass. Individual species dominated in different intertidal and vertical zones. These observations, together with the identification of three species of macroalgae that fulfil the criteria for bioindicators/biomonitors of environmental impacts are discussed.

Effects of sediment slurry enrichment on salt marsh rehabilitation: Plant and soil responses over seven years

In deltaic marshes, mineral sediment promotes positive elevation change and counters subsidence and sea level rise. In many such marshes sediment deficits result in wetland loss. One new way to address sediment deficiency is to supply marshes with sediments in a slurry that deposits the sediment in a thin layer over a large area. The long-term effects of this strategy are poorly understood. In a rapidly submerging,Spartina alterniflora salt marsh, we tested how different amounts of sediment ameliorated the effects of sea level rise and subsidence over 7 yr (1992–1998). Sediment slurry enrichment likely affected plants and soils by two mechanisms. It increased elevation and soil bulk density, leading to increased plant vigor and soil condition. These effects were long lasting, such that by 1998 areas receiving moderate amounts of sediment (5–12 cm relative elevation) had better plant vigor and soil condition compared to areas not receiving sediment (55% cover versus 20%; bulk densities of 0.4–1.0 g cm−3 versus 0.2 g cm−3; 0 mM hydrogen sulfide versus > 1.0 mM). The sediment slurry also had high nutrient content, which resulted in a pulse of growth, especially in areas receiving the most sediment (areas > 12 cm relative elevation initially had >90% cover and canopy heights >1.6 m). This nutrient-induced growth spurt was short lived and faded after 3 yr, at which point the long lasting effects of increased elevation probably became the dominant factor promoting plant vigor and soil condition. Moderate levels of sediment generated the most beneficial and long lasting effects to the vegetation and soils. This degree of sediment slurry addition countered the effects of subsidence and sea level rise, but not so much as to surpass the intertidal position to whichS. alterniflora is best adapted.

Zonal and seasonal variation in the distribution and abundance of mangrove macroalgae in the Parramatta River, Australia

The purpose of this study was to examine the spatial and temporal variation of macroalgae epiphytic on pneumatophores of the Grey mangrove, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh., in the Parramatta River, the major estuarine system flowing into Sydney Harbour. No previous studies have examined algal distribution in three spatial dimensions (along the mid-saline length of a river, from front to back of mangrove stand, and from bottom to top of pneumatophores), simultaneously with their temporal variation within mangrove stands. Three sites in the Parramatta River, Australia, were surveyed seasonally on four occasions over a two-year period, and algal distribution and biomass assessed with respect to temporal, site, intertidal and vertical variation. Sediment and water characteristics, including nutrient levels, were also assessed in order to examine all variables that may be influencing algal distribution and abundance. The results indicated that intertidal position within sites (front, middle and back zones of the intertidal mangrove stands) was the factor of greatest influence on algal frequency and biomass, with individual species dominating in different zones. This observation together with the identification of four species of macroalgae that fulfill the criteria for bioindicators of environmental impacts are discussed.

The effects of seed predators on the recruitment of mangroves

Summary Propagule (diaspore) predation by crabs has been shown to be a major source of mortality for mangroves. We measured predation by crabs on seeds of nine tropical mangrove species in multifactorial experiments by following the fates of tethered propagules. We tested whether planting, intertidal position and canopy gaps influenced predation of propagules and whether the predation of propagules was reduced in the presence of conspecifics. We also tested if predation influenced patterns of propagule establishment. Mortality due to predation ranged from 22 to 100%, with Aegiceras corniculatum &gt; Avicennia marina &gt; Bruguiera parviflora &gt; Aegialitis annulata &gt; B. exaristata &gt; Ceriops australis &gt; C. decandra=B. gymnorrhiza &gt; Rhizophora stylosa. Initial predator preference was correlated with the size of propagules. Propagule planting (prone vs. implanted) and canopy type had the largest magnitude of effects across all species for treatment effects. Propagules dispersed in the prone position had more mortality while those dispersed into canopy gaps were generally less preyed upon. Three species were tested for dominance‐predation by regression of stand relative density with final predation by crabs for canopy treatments. No species had significant effects that supported the hypothesis. Predation by crabs often changed with intertidal position but showed no consistent pattern among species or gap treatments. Interactions of canopy treatment and tidal position showed that predation by crabs did not have a major influence on the zonation of mangroves in our study sites. Analyses of covariance of predation and establishment showed that establishment success is strongly controlled by predation in six of the nine species tested. This suggests that herbivores have a greater impact on recruitment than do microhabitat effects on resources. The combined effects of predator refuge and growth preference enhance recruitment in large canopy gaps. Crab predators appear to maintain the floristic similarity between canopy gaps and surrounding forests in tropical mangrove forests of northern Australia by removing allopatric species from gaps.

Below-ground nitrogen cycling in relation to net canopy production in mangrove forests of southern Thailand

Rates of accumulation, transformation and availability of sediment nitrogen in four mangrove forests of different age and type in southern Thailand were examined in relation to forest net canopy production. Net ammonification (range: 0.3–2.3 mmol N m–2 day–1), nitrification (range: 0–0.7 mmol N m–2 day–1) and nitrogen fixation (range: 0–0.6 mmol N m–2 day–1) in surface sediments equated to <10% of canopy nitrogen demand (range: 7.5–32 mmol N m–2 day–1). By mass balance, we estimated that most of the nitrogen required for tree growth must be derived from root-associated nitrogen fixation and/or mineralisation processes occurring possibly to the maximum depth of live root penetration (75–100 cm). Denitrification, nitrification, rainfall and tidal exchange were comparatively small components of sediment nitrogen flow. Denitrification (range: 0–3.8 mmol N m–2 day–1) removed 3–6% of total nitrogen input at three Rhizophora forests, but removed 23% of total nitrogen input in a high-intertidal Ceriops forest. Nitrogen burial ranged from 4% to 12% of total nitrogen input, with the greatest burial rates in two forests receiving the least tidal inundation. Inputs of nitrogen to the forests were rapid (range: 11–37 mmol N m–2 day–1), likely originating from upstream sources such as agricultural and industrial lands, sewage and shrimp ponds. Our results indicate that ~70% to 90% of the nitrogen supplied to the forest floor is shunted via the ammonium pool to trees to sustain the rapid rates of net canopy production measured in these forests. Differences in plant–sediment nitrogen relations between the forests appeared to be a function of the interaction between intertidal position and stand age.

Cage experiments in an East African mangrove forest: a synthesis

The impact of epibenthos on endobenthos has frequently been investigated for temperate saltmarsh regions by using cage exclusion experiments. Although the insight into the function of the endobenthos of mangrove forests is crucial for their management, very few cage experiments have so far been carried out in such areas. The present paper summaries the results of such experiments in a typical East African mangrove forest at Gazi Bay about 60 km south of Mombasa, Kenya. Epibenthic animals were excluded for one year in two mangrove zones which differed in forest morphology and intertidal position ( Ceriops tagal and Avicennia marina). Environmental factors and meiobenthic and macrobenthic densities were followed in a randomised block design, and procedural and exclusion effects were statistically detected. In confronting the separate responses of all faunal groups in the two mangrove zones, this synthesis gives a better insight into the tropho-dynamical interactions than the earlier separate reports on the same experiment. The ecosystem of the mangrove zones and the competitive interactions within this system provided an ideal opportunity to discover the existence of two food systems. This confirmed a strong involvement of the majority of the endobenthos in an isolated decompositional pathway in the mangrove sediment. It became clear that this exploitative competition was more important than the epibenthic predation in structuring and regulating the global endobenthic community. This synthesis therefore both demonstrates the decisive role of the endobenthos as regenators of mangrove material, and suggests that endobenthos plays a minor role as prey for the demersal or pelagic carnivores.