HAMC: Eelgrass Monitoring
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Eelgrass (Zostera marina) |
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is the most widely
distributed seagrass worldwide and dominates the intertidal and subtidal in the
northern hemisphere. Distribution in
North America extends from the Seward Peninsula
to the Baja Peninsula at tidal heights ranging from approximately 1.5 m to -10 m
relative to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW.) The complex structure
provided by eelgrass rhizomes and leaves tends to stabilize soft sediments and
provide rearing and foraging habitat for many fish and invertebrate
species. Eelgrass beds, designated a
special aquatic site, are given added protection and consideration when
nearshore development proposals are reviewed by permitting agencies.
The research activities of the nearshore group at ABL have focused
on describing fish communities utilizing eelgrass habitats and eelgrass
characteristics of those habitats in Southeast Alaska and western Prince William Sound.
Beds near communities experiencing nearshore development pressure have
been studied in greater detail to provide perimeters with necessary
information. Future directions of research include seasonal and diurnal
variations in fish utilization and restoration monitoring.
Key Publications to this Research
Harris, P. M., A. D. Neff, S. W. Johnson, and J. D. Thedinga. 2008. Eelgrass habitat and faunal assemblages in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska. U. S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NMFS-AFSC-182, 46 p. (.pdf, 4.67 MB). Online.
Harris, P. M., S. W. Johnson, L. G. Holland, A. D. Neff, J. F. Thedinga, and S. D. Rice. 2005. Hydrocarbons and fisheries habitat in Berners Bay, Alaska: baseline monitoring associated with the Kensington Gold Mine. U.S. Dep. Commer. NOAA processed report 2005-06, 44.
Johnson, S. W. and J. F. Thedinga. 2005. Fish use and size of eelgrass meadows in Southeastern Alaska: a baseline for long-term assessment of biotic change. Northwest Sci. 79: nos. 2&3, 141-155.
Johnson, S. W., M. L. Murphy, D. J. Csepp, P. M. Harris, and J. F. Thedinga. 2003. A survey of fish assemblages in eelgrass and kelp habitats of southeastern Alaska. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo, NMFS-AFSC-139, 39 p.
Related Links
National Eelgrass Monitoring Program
Seaweeds of Alaska
Contact:
Pat Harris
Auke Bay Laboratories
Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries
Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute
17109 Pt Lena Loop Rd
Juneau AK 99801
(907) 789-6022
Pat.Harris@noaa.gov
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