Ruppia Cirrhosa Research Articles

The Pleistocene footprints are younger than we thought: correcting the radiocarbon dates of Ruppia seeds, Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

AbstractPast studies have demonstrated that Ruppia cirrhosa (Ruppia), which typically grows in brackish water, is far too unreliable to serve as the chronological basis for radiocarbon dating because of the hard water effect (HWE). Despite this unreliability, Ruppia seeds have been used to date footprints along the margins of paleo-Lake Otero in southern New Mexico to around 23,000–21,000 cal yr BP. In this study, we employ a modern analog approach using δ13C values and radiocarbon dates from modern Ruppia plants growing in Salt Creek to calculate a maximum limiting age range for the footprints. Those plant samples with higher δ13C values produced greater age discrepancies. This simple relationship can be used to correct for the HWE and demonstrates that the human footprints purported to have been made during the local last glacial maximum could be at least ~7500 yr younger.

Where, when, how and what seagrass to transplant for long lasting results in transitional water systems: the cases of Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina, Zostera noltei and Ruppia cirrhosa

Seagrasses play a vital role in marine ecosystems worldwide. However, until recently these ecosystems were experiencing declines due to various global and local threats. In response to this issue, initiatives have been launched to combat seagrass loss by addressing local and regional major stressors and actively engaging in restoration efforts by transplantation. Although seagrass restoration has progressed significantly with the development of numerous transplant techniques, these are not always crowned with success. This is often due to the fact that the environmental parameters of water, sediment and biota of the recipient sites are not carefully considered in their suitability for transplantation. In this study, the multi-year experiences and data from numerous environmental surveys in transitional water systems have been condensed to define limit values for the ideal growth conditions and the extreme values in which the survival of four aquatic angiosperm species is possible: Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina, Zostera noltei and Ruppia cirrhosa. Approaches to transplants, seasonality and critical issues have been explored. The identified limits and parameters of water, sediment and biota will help to define the suitability of a recipient site for the rooting of seagrasses, increasing the chances of success for transplant operations.

Independent age estimates resolve the controversy of ancient human footprints at White Sands.

Human footprints at White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA, reportedly date to between ~23,000 and 21,000 years ago according to radiocarbon dating of seeds from the aquatic plant Ruppia cirrhosa. These ages remain controversial because of potential old carbon reservoir effects that could compromise their accuracy. We present new calibrated 14C ages of terrestrial pollen collected from the same stratigraphic horizons as those of the Ruppia seeds, along with optically stimulated luminescence ages of sediments from within the human footprint-bearing sequence, to evaluate the veracity of the seed ages. The results show that the chronologic framework originally established for the White Sands footprints is robust and reaffirm that humans were present in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum.

Variability on the Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Ruppia cirrhosa Extract Using Two Different Methods of Extraction

Background: Nowadays, there is increasing attention to the discovery of new bioactive substances from marine sources. This research aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Tunisian Ruppia cirrhosa extracts (RCEs) using two different extraction methods. Methods: RCEs were obtained by two different extraction methods: maceration and successive extraction. The determination of polyphenolic contents and antioxidant activity was made by calorimetric assay, and the effect of RCE was observed against pathogenic bacteria and fungi using the solid diffusion method. Results: The successive extraction of R. cirrhosa extract relatively showed higher total phenol (38.1 mg GAE/g) and condensed tannin (18.07 mg CE/g) contents than the maceration extraction (35.43 mg EAG/g and 12.99 mg CE/g, respectively). However, the total flavonoid amount of RCE was higher in the maceration extraction (33.09 mg CE/g) than in the successive extraction (21.27 mg CE/g). The total antioxidant capacity of RCE indicated a decrease in this activity after fractionation. Indeed, the activity of RCE decreased from 47.8 to 37.83 mg GAE/g, and RCE obtained by the two extraction methods showed moderate antioxidant activity using reducing power (IC50=380-490 µg/mL) and β-carotene bleaching (IC50=110-310 μg/mL) assays. Furthermore, RCEs obtained by maceration had the greatest antibacterial activity against all tested strains (IZ=3.33-9.33 mm) except Salmonella typhimurium (IZ=2 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (IZ=6 mm), and Streptococcus aureus (3.67 mm) as compared to those obtained by successive extraction. The strains of Candida had a sensitivity for R. cirrhosa extracts obtained by maceration. Indeed, R. cirrhosa extracts obtained by successive extraction had higher inhibitory activity against Candida krusei deduced through an inhibition diameter of 6 mm. Conclusion: It can be concluded that R. cirrhosa extract is rich in bioactive molecules, and it has an extremely promising biological potential.

The Ecological Role of Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande in a Choked Lagoon

We studied the ecological and functional aspects (such as role in sediment characteristics and plant–animal interactions) of a Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande meadow during its vegetative season in the choked Valle Campo lagoon, a sub-basin of the wider Valli di Comacchio, on the Northern Adriatic coast. Sampling campaigns were carried out with a roughly fortnightly frequency in 2017 at two sites, one with the Ruppia meadow and one with bare sediment. Sediment parameters analyzed were microphytobenthic chlorophyll-a, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content, and total organic matter. The macrobenthos was identified at the lowest possible taxonomic level. Chlorophyll a, as a surrogate of microphytobenthos, showed differences between the two sites, probably mainly related to light intensity; thus, it is expected that the absence of seagrass canopy results in the higher production of microphytobenthos. At both sites, proteins were the dominant class of labile compounds, suggesting that detrital organic matter present at both study sites is of high nutritional quality. The high protein/carbohydrate ratio also suggests the presence of non-aged organic matter. We recorded a total of 18 macroinvertebrate taxa. The Ruppia meadow showed a positive influence on macrofauna abundance, diversity, species richness, and composition of trophic groups. Only the infaunal taxa Capitella capitata and Chironomus salinarius exhibited higher abundance at the bare site. The ecological quality status measured by the M-AMBI index was unsatisfactory everywhere. However, the presence of the Ruppia meadow resulted in index values being consistently higher. The role of this minor seagrass has been proved to be of great importance, improving the nutritional quality of the organic matter in the sediments and, above all, providing new habitats and new niches for a number of benthic macrofauna species.

A critical assessment of claims that human footprints in the Lake Otero basin, New Mexico date to the Last Glacial Maximum

AbstractThe ancient human footprints in valley-bottom sediments in Tularosa Valley, New Mexico, are fascinating and potentially important because they suggest interactions between Pleistocene megafauna as well as great antiquity. The dating of those footprints is crucial in interpretations of when humans first came to North America from Asia, but the ages have larger uncertainties than has been reported. Some of that uncertainty is related to the possibility of a radiocarbon reservoir in the water in which the dated propagules ofRuppia cirrhosagrew. As a test of that possibility,Ruppiaspecimens collected in 1947 from nearby Malpais Spring returned a radiocarbon age of ca. 7400 cal yr BP. We think it would be appropriate to devise and implement independent means for dating the footprints, thus lowering the uncertainty in the proposed age of the footprints and leading to a better understanding of when humans first arrived in the Americas.

Effect of Ecological Recovery on Macrophyte Dominance and Production in the Venice Lagoon

In the last decade, the Venice Lagoon showed a significant environmental recovery that changed the assemblages of macroalgal and aquatic angiosperm dominant species and significantly increased the primary production. The decreasing of anthropogenic impacts, such as eutrophication and clam harvesting, favored a strong reduction of Ulvaceae, replaced by species with higher ecological value, and the recolonization of aquatic angiosperms. Consequently, hypo-anoxic conditions, once frequently occurring in the lagoon, have been considerably reduced and aquatic angiosperms have recolonized the area, covering 94.8 km2 in comparison to the 55.9 km2 recorded in 2003 (+70%). Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina, and Zostera noltei expanded by 37.5%, 44.6%, and 191%, respectively, with a significant increase in biomass and primary production. In late spring 2018, angiosperms showed a standing crop of approximately 372 ktonnes (+77%) and a net primary production of approximately 1189 ktonnes FW (+67%). In the meantime, Ruppia cirrhosa, which since the 1980s had disappeared from the lagoon areas subjected to tidal expansion, but was still present in some fishing valleys, recolonized the bottoms of the northern lagoon with meadows of over 6 km2; this accounted for a standing crop and net primary production of 8.9 and 18.0 ktonnes, respectively. Based on surveys carried out in 2021, ecological conditions are still improving, and this is increasing both the biodiversity and the production of macroalgae and aquatic angiosperms.

Response to Comment on "Evidence of humans in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum".

Madsen et al. question the reliability of calibrated radiocarbon ages associated with human footprints discovered recently in White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA. On the basis of the geologic, hydrologic, stratigraphic, and chronologic evidence, we maintain that the ages are robust and conclude that the footprints date to between ~23,000 and 21,000 years ago.Madsen et al. () question the veracity of calibrated radiocarbon ages used to constrain the antiquity of human trackways discovered recently at White Sands National Park (WHSA) Locality 2, New Mexico, USA (). The ages were derived from seeds of the aquatic plant Ruppia cirrhosa, which they suggest may suffer from hard-water (or reservoir) effects, making them too old, potentially by thousands of years. We were well aware of this possibility, investigated it, and presented several lines of evidence that argued against such a problem. Here we respond to each of their four primary points.

Sensitivity of Photosynthesis to Warming in Two Similar Species of the Aquatic Angiosperm Ruppia from Tropical and Temperate Habitats

Climate change-related events, such as marine heatwaves, are increasing seawater temperatures, thereby putting pressure on marine biota. The cosmopolitan distribution and significant contribution to marine primary production by the genus Ruppia makes them interesting organisms to study thermal tolerance and local adaptation. In this study, we investigated the photosynthetic responses in Ruppia to the predicted future warming in two contrasting bioregions, temperate Sweden and tropical Thailand. Through DNA barcoding, specimens were determined to Ruppia cirrhosa for Sweden and Ruppia maritima for Thailand. Photosynthetic responses were assessed using pulse amplitude-modulated fluorometry, firstly in short time incubations at 18, 23, 28, and 33 °C in the Swedish set-up and 28, 33, 38, and 43 °C in the Thai set-up. Subsequent experiments were conducted to compare the short time effects to longer, five-day incubations in 28 °C for Swedish plants and 40 °C for Thai plants. Swedish R. cirrhosa displayed minor response, while Thai R. maritima was more sensitive to both direct and prolonged temperature stress with a drastic decrease in the photosynthetic parameters leading to mortality. The results indicate that in predicted warming scenarios, Swedish R. cirrhosa may sustain an efficient photosynthesis and potentially outcompete more heat-sensitive species. However, populations of the similar R. maritima in tropical environments may suffer a decline as their productivity will be highly reduced.

Environmental restoration by aquatic angiosperm transplants in transitional water systems: The Venice Lagoon as a case study

The paper reports the results obtained after 4 years of aquatic angiosperm transplants in areas of the Venice Lagoon (North Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean) where meadows almost disappeared due to eutrophication, pollution and overexploitation of clam resources. The project LIFE12 NAT/IT/000331-SeResto, funded by the European Union, allowed to recolonize the Habitat 1150* (coastal lagoons) in the northernmost part of the lagoon, by extensive manual transplants of small sods or single rhizomes of Zostera marina, Zostera noltei, Ruppia cirrhosa and, in some stations also of Cymodocea nodosa. Over the 4 years of the project more than 75,000 rhizomes were transplanted in 35 stations with the support of local stakeholders (fishermen, hunters and sport clubs). Plants took root in 32 stations forming extensive meadows on a surface of approx. 10 km2 even if some failures were recorded in areas affected by outflows of freshwater rich in nutrients and suspended particulate matter. The rapid recovery of the ecological status of the involved areas was the result of this meadow restoration, which was in compliance with Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC) objectives. Moreover, the monitoring of environmental parameters in the water column and in surface sediments allowed to identify the best conditions for successful transplants. Small, widespread interventions and the participation of local stakeholders in the environmental recovery, make this action economically cheap and easily transposable in other similar environments.

Spatial Patterns of Macrozoobenthos Assemblages in a Sentinel Coastal Lagoon: Biodiversity and Environmental Drivers

This study presents an assessment of the diversity and spatial distribution of benthic macrofauna communities along the Moulay Bousselham lagoon and discusses the environmental factors contributing to observed patterns. In the autumn of 2018, 68 stations were sampled with three replicates per station in subtidal and intertidal areas. Environmental conditions showed that the range of water temperature was from 25.0 °C to 12.3 °C, the salinity varied between 38.7 and 3.7, while the average of pH values fluctuated between 7.3 and 8.0. In vegetated habitats, biomass values of the seagrass Zostera noltei Hornemann ranged between 31.7 gDW/m² and 170.2 gDW/m² while the biomass of the seagrass Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande between 54.2 gDW/m² and 84.7 gDW/m². Sediment analyses showed that the lagoon is mainly composed of sandy and silty sediments. We recorded 37,165 individuals of macrofauna distributed in 63 taxa belonging to 50 families, with a mean abundance value of 4582.8 ind/m² and biomass average of 22.2 g/m². Distance-based linear modeling analysis (DISTLM) identified sediment characteristics, water parameters and habitat type (biomass of Z. noltei) as the major environmental drivers influencing macrozoobenthos patterns. Our results clearly revealed that the hydrographic regime (marine and terrestrial freshwater), sediment distribution and characteristics and the type of habitat (vegetated vs. unvegetated substrate) are the key factors determining the species composition and patterns of macrozoobenthos assemblages.

A profound view and discourse on the typification and status of three confused taxa: Ruppia maritima, R. spiralis and R. cirrhosa

AbstractTaxonomic difficulties have persisted within the genus Ruppia for a long time. We first unravel misconceptions as perceived on different continents and subsequently present a revised interpretation of the identity and typification of three European taxa at species level: Ruppia maritima L., Ruppia spiralis L. ex Dumortier, and Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande. To do this, historical specimens, illustrations and original descriptions were studied. We supersede a previous choice of the figure of Buccaferrea maritima, foliis minus acutis Micheli (1729) as the lectotype of R. maritima and type species of the genus Ruppia owing to a serious conflict with the protologue. Based on a meticulous interpretation of protologues and figures in a historical context, we reject the recent view of assigning R. cirrhosa and its proposed lectotype (iconotype) as a homotypic synonym of R. maritima. We agree with an earlier lectotypification of R. spiralis, though for another reason than the above-mentioned abused homotypy. Consequently, R. cirrhosa is a synonym of neither R. maritima or R. spiralis, based on material from Petagna in the Herbarium of Naples designated as the holotype of R. cirrhosa. We argue for three species to be considered as fully independent taxa: R. maritima, R. spiralis and R. cirrhosa.

Is the zooplankton of mesosaline lakes in protected areas in the semiarid Pampa of Argentina different from those in lakes with high anthropic influence?

Most of the mesosaline lakes in the semiarid central Pampas have a high anthropic influence. The objective was to determine the limnological and zooplankton parameters of a mesosaline lake with little human impact, the West Lake of the Parque Luro Reserve, and compare it with previously studied aquatic ecosystems. Monthly samples were taken (2014–2015). The mean depth and salinity were 0.66 m and 29.33 g/L, respectively. The transparency was high and favored the growth of the macrophyte Ruppia cirrhosa. Zooplankton diversity was low, with autochthonous halophilic crustaceans (Daphnia menucoensis and Boeckella poopoensis). Zooplankton density was 20 to 100 times lower than that of other pampean lakes, probably due to the presence of the macrophyte, which distinguishes this lake from others in the region.

Collapse of macrophytic communities in a eutrophicated coastal lagoon.

Collapse of macrophytic communities in a eutrophicated coastal lagoon.

Submerged vegetation in a shallow brackish lagoon does not enhance water clarity but offers substantial refuge for zooplankton

The small-scale impact of submerged vegetation (locally enhanced water transparency) on abiotic / biotic parameters was studied in a shallow (< 1 m mean water depth) brackish lagoon at the German Baltic Sea coast. Suspended matter, nutrients, chlorophyll, light, and zooplankton composition and biomass were compared between dense and sparse submerged vegetation at two sites five times during the vegetation period of 2013. Water transparency was relatively high (light attenuation around 1 m−1), and nutrient concentrations moderate (TP around 1.1 μmol L−1, TN around 35 μmol L−1) during the study period. Submerged vegetation was dominated by Ruppia cirrhosa, Stuckenia pectinata and non-attached Fucus vesiculosus, and reached high cover in the “dense vegetation” plots, but only low PVI (= plant volume inhabited) values due to low height. Contrary to our expectations and numerous investigations in freshwater lakes, we did not find significant differences between dense and sparse vegetation for any parameter investigated. During all sampling occasions, copepods dominated zooplankton biomass. Zooplankton biomass was higher at night than at daytime both in dense and sparse vegetation during most sampling occasions. We conclude that PVI was too low to allow for strong plant impact on the environment, and that high water exchange rates in this shallow coastal lagoon may override the impact of submerged macrophytes on transparency. Our results indicate that phytoplankton was not limited by light, but by nutrients and zooplankton, and that zooplankton performs diurnal vertical migration and uses the dense vegetation layer straight above the sediment surface as daytime refuge.

Effects of salinity and temperature on the performance of Cymodocea nodosa and Ruppia cirrhosa: a medium-term laboratory study

Abstract The effects of salinity and temperature on the photosynthetic and growth performance of the seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa and Ruppia cirrhosa were studied to understand their local seasonality and distribution. Cymodocea nodosa shoots were collected from Cape Vrasidas, and R. cirrhosa shoots from the coastal lagoon Fanari, all from the Eastern Macedonian and Thrace Region, Greece. Effective quantum yield (ΔF/Fm′), leaf chlorophyll-a content (mg g−1 wet mass) and growth (% of maximum) were tested at different temperatures (10–40°C) and salinities (5–60). The results showed that: (a) R. cirrhosa was more euryhaline (5–55/60) than C. nodosa (10–50), (b) the upper thermal tolerance of C. nodosa (34–35°C) was higher than that of R. cirrhosa (32–34°C), (c) C. nodosa could not tolerate 10°C, whereas R. cirrhosa could, and (d) the growth optimum of C. nodosa was 30°C and that of R. cirrhosa 20–30°C. The thermal optima and tolerances of growth and photosynthesis confirm the seasonal patterns of R. cirrhosa but not of C. nodosa. However, the sensitivity of C. nodosa to low salinities and temperatures may explain its absence from shallow coastal lagoons. Ruppia cirrhosa could be vulnerable to future climate change.

Cladophora mats in a Crimean hypersaline lake: structure, dynamics, and inhabiting animals

Filamentous green algae play an important functional role in element cycling and productivity in the different water bodies. In hypersaline lakes and lagoons of the Crimea, filamentous green algae are present and form bottom and floating mats that occupy large areas with high biomass, up to 4–5 kg (wet biomass)/m2. Cladophora spp. dominated in those mats. Five species of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) in Lake Chersonesskoye: Cladophora vadorum (Aresch.) Kutz., C. siwaschensisC. Meyer, C. echinus (Biasol.) Kutz., Ulothrix implexa (Kutz.) Kutz., Rhizoclonium tortuosum (Dillw.) Kutz., and seagrass (Angiospermae) Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande were found. Cladophora spp. and R. cirrhosa were found in the lake throughout the year, other types of algae were encountered episodically. In most cases the biomass of bottom mat exceeded that of the floating mat. In general, the total biomass of the bottom and floating mats in the lake areas at depths up to 30 cm was in a stable range of values from 100 to 290 mg (dry weight)/cm 2. Animal and infusorian average abundance in mats reach high values: infusorians—up to 15 000 000 ind./m2, Cletocamptus retrogressus (Copepoda, Harpacticoida)—up to 730 000 ind./m2, Eucypris mareotica (Ostracoda)—up to 91 000 ind./m2 and Chironomidae larvae (Insecta, Diptera)—up to 140 ind./m2. Those values were much higher than in the plankton.

A mass mortality of fishes caused by receding water levels in the vegetated littoral zone of the West Kleinemonde Estuary, South Africa

On 15 November 2017 the mouth of the West Kleinemonde Estuary breached following heavy catchment rains and increased river flow. The water level in the estuary following mouth opening decreased by 1.65 m within 24 h, resulting in an almost complete draining of the littoral zone where large beds of the aquatic macrophyte Ruppia cirrhosa and mats of the associated filamentous algae were present. As the water depth within the plant beds decreased, the macrophytes, together with the algal filaments, created an increasingly dense mat, trapping fish that were resident, foraging or passing through the littoral zone. By 16 November 2017 large numbers of fishes belonging to at least 20 species were trapped in pools and depressions within the littoral, as well as within the R. cirrhosa beds and filamentous algal mats in the lower reaches of this system. Other affected taxa included crustaceans, especially isopods, and large numbers of small bivalves attached to macrophyte vegetation. Beneficiaries of the fish kill, in terms of unexpected food availability, included a variety of piscivorous bird species and the Cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis. This is the first documented account of a diverse species fish kill associated with estuary mouth breaching.

Inferring Connectivity Range in Submerged Aquatic Populations (Ruppia L.) Along European Coastal Lagoons From Genetic Imprint and Simulated Dispersal Trajectories.

Coastal salt- and brackish water lagoons are unique shallow habitats characterized by beds of submerged seagrasses and salt-tolerant Ruppia species. Established long-term and large-scale patterns of connectivity in lagoon systems can be strongly determined by patterns of nearshore and coastal currents next to local bird-mediated seed dispersal. Despite the importance of dispersal in landscape ecology, characterizing patterns of connectivity remains challenging in aquatic systems. Here, we aimed at inferring connectivity distances of Ruppia cirrhosa along European coastal lagoons using a population genetic imprint and modeled dispersal trajectories using an eddy-resolving numerical ocean model that includes tidal forcing. We investigated 1,303 individuals of 46 populations alongside subbasins of the Mediterranean (Balearic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian) and the Atlantic to Baltic Sea coastline over maximum distances of 563–2,684 km. Ten microsatellite loci under an autotetraploid condition revealed a mixed sexual and vegetative reproduction mode. A pairwise FST permutation test of populations revealed high levels of historical connectivity only for distance classes up to 104–280 km. Since full range analysis was not fully explanatory, we assessed connectivity in more detail at coastline and subbasin level using four approaches. Firstly, a regression over restricted geographical distances (300 km) was done though remained comparable to full range analysis. Secondly, piecewise linear regression analyses yielded much better explained variance but the obtained breakpoints were shifted toward greater geographical distances due to a flat slope of regression lines that most likely reflect genetic drift. Thirdly, classification and regression tree analyses revealed threshold values of 47–179 km. Finally, simulated ocean surface dispersal trajectories for propagules with floating periods of 1–4 weeks, were congruent with inferred distances, a spatial Bayesian admixed gene pool clustering and a barrier detection method. A kinship based spatial autocorrelation showed a contemporary within-lagoon connectivity up to 20 km. Our findings indicate that strong differentiation or admixtures shaped historical connectivity and that a pre- and post LGM genetic imprint of R. cirrhosa along the European coasts was maintained from their occurrence in primary habitats. Additionally, this study demonstrates the importance of unraveling thresholds of genetic breaks in combination with ocean dispersal modeling to infer patterns of connectivity.

Environmental Variability and Macrophyte Assemblages in Coastal Lagoon Types of Western Greece (Mediterranean Sea)

Coastal lagoon types of Western Greece were allocated to a spectrum of meso to polyhaline chocked lagoons; poly to euhaline restricted lagoons; and euhaline restricted lagoons along the Ionian Sea coast. This diversity comprises wide ranges of physical, chemical and environmental parameters in a seasonal and annual scale, which explains the variability in the distribution of benthic macrophytes. Four different macrophyte assemblages were distinguished, characterized by annual or perennial species. Extensive statistical analysis showed that salinity and nitrate concentrations had a great impact on the composition and distribution of macrophyte assemblages into lagoon types that also changed their abundance on a seasonal and annual scale. During the monitoring period, an important salinity shift in a chocked lagoon might cause the gradual loss of Zostera noltii and its replacement by Ruppia cirrhosa. Restricted lagoons were characterized by higher species diversity, while the other three identified macrophyte assemblages were dominated by the angiosperms Ruppia cirrhosa and Cymodocea nodosa. This integrated study of coastal lagoons is likely to be broadly applicable, since it was based on important parameters affecting such ecosystems, and the provided links between macrophyte assemblages and abiotic factors are of critical importance to improve management and environmental policies.