Marina Meadows Research Articles

Genetic differentiation in populations of two Palaemon prawn species at the Atlantic east coast: does gene flow prevent local adaptation?

Two Palaemon prawn species, P. adspersus Rathke and P. squilla (L.), occur along the European Atlantic coast. In areas heavily affected by tides (Netherlands and France), one species, P. squilla, inhabits the intertidal zone, and P. adspersus is found subtidally in the Zostera marina meadows. In areas with small tidal ranges (Sweden) both species occur in the Z. marina zone, and here the body size of P. squilla is reduced, something that in turn reduces reproductive output in this species. Is adaptive improvement in non-tidal P. squilla populations prevented by too extensive gene flow from tidal areas? To wanswer this, genetic differentiation was studied by horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Each of the two species was sampled at five sites along the European Atlantic coast. Twenty-two enzymes representing 25 loci were scored. Significant genetic heterogeneity between sites was found in both species. Thus the extensive gene flow hypothesis was not supported by the results, and non-tidal populations ought to have the possibility to adapt to local conditions.

Influence of the seagrass, Zostera marina L., on current flow

A salt-water flume was used to describe the mechanics of current flow around an articial Zostera marina meadow. Shear velocity and roughness height were positively correlated with seagrass surface area, and were positively/negatively correlated with current velocity. Current velocity intrusion into the meadow before diminution and maximum reduction (both at the 2 cm height line) proceed by factors of 1·25 and 2·07 cm into the meadow per cm s −1 of current velocity, respectively. Froude number was correlated with mean bending angle of the canopy as a whole. Maximum bending had occurred with Froude = 1, but most bending had taken place by Froude = 0·4, a velocity of 40–50 cm s −1 in this experiment. The meadow edge is the most dynamic zone of a seagrass meadow in regard to current flow. Bending of the shoot canopy is a mechanism for re-direction of current flow and in-canopy reduction of current velocity. Meadow dimensions may be regulated by scouring processes in different hydraulic regimes. Shoot bending and subsequent in-meadow current velocity reduction are mechanisms that affect self-shading and photosynthetic capabilities as well as providing habitat stability.