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Intertidal wide strap seagrassShort descriptionIntertidal seagrass meadows dominated by wide strap growth forms, mostly Zostera muelleri. Disclaimer: Ecosystem type descriptions are based on biophysical attributes identified in Central Queensland through expert advice and supported by scientific literature. Not all ecosystem types are mapped based on current inventory, and many of the ecosystems described here may also occur in other parts of Queensland.
Classification categoriesSelect from the links below to view related ecosystem type categories Long descriptionIntertidal seagrass meadows dominated by wide (broad) strap growth forms, particularly Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni*. These meadows can also include other seagrasses with wide strap growth forms, such as: Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Enhalus acoroides, Halodule uninervis and Thalassia hemprichii, together with other growth forms such as: Halophila spp., Syringodium isoetifolium and Thalassodendron ciliatum. Seagrasses are not a taxonomically unified group, but rather an ecological group that arose through convergent evolution and includes several different families. They are all flowering plants that live underwater and need light to photosynthesise. They also produce seeds. They grow on muds, sands and fine gravels which may be mobile, leading to changes in seagrass composition and extent over time (see qualifiers - Period, Trend and Cover). Meadows may include other structural macrobiota, such as: encrusting algae, erect macrophyte algae, bryozoans, sponges and molluscs (e.g. bivalves, cockles, whelks, razor clam beds), together with mobile invertebrate fauna, such as: sea cucumbers, crabs (e.g. commercial sand crabs and other portunids) and polychaete worms. *Revision of Zostera capricorni has resulted in classification to subspecies. In Queensland, Zostera capricorni has been revised to Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni[8]. Special valuesSeagrasses provide a wide range of services, including:
The fisheries value of seagrass habitat as nursery grounds for juvenile commercial fish and prawn species in Queensland is well documented[14][19]. Sea cucumbers may also be collected from seagrass meadows for commercial aquaculture. Not only do seagrass provide habitat for fish, but the proximity of seagrass meadows to other ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs) increases fish abundance[6][12]. For additional special values, see type (15). Diagnostic attributesInundation 'Intertidal – Lower low', 'Intertidal – Mid low', 'Intertidal – Upper low', 'Intertidal – Low undifferentiated', 'Intertidal – Lower medium', 'Intertidal – Upper-medium', 'Intertidal – Medium undifferentiated', 'Intertidal – High', 'Intertidal – Undifferentiated', 'Intertidal – High undifferentiated' although usually occurring below mean sea level Structural macrobiota 'Seagrass – strap broad (wide)' QualifiersSeagrass ecosystems vary in Period and Trend (seasonally and from year to year). The species composition, extent and biomass of seagrass meadows can vary seasonally and between years. The extent and biomass of seagrass meadows along the Queensland east coast are typically maximal in late spring and summer, and minimal over winter[1][5][16]. DistributionSeagrass meadows grow throughout the world’s coastal waters, with large areas along Queensland’s coastline. Approximately 58 species of seagrass have been recorded across the globe with about 30 recorded in Australian waters and at least 15 in Queensland[13]. Most tropical and sub-tropical species are found in water less than 10 metres deep and wide strap seagrasses are typically found in shallow water and the intertidal area (coastal areas and within estuaries). Of the 13 species identified in north-eastern Queensland, all occurred in water depths less than 6 metres below mean sea level (MSL) and only four occurred in water more than 20 metres below MSL[10]. Three general depth zones of seagrass species composition for tropical waters have been observed: a shallow zone less than 6 metres deep with high species diversity, likely to include all species found in a region; a zone between 6 and 11 metres where the most commonly found seagrasses were the pioneering Halodule and Halophila species; and a zone deeper than 11 metres where only species of the genus Halophila were commonly found[3]. Seagrasses form dynamic communities of mixed species. Enhalus acoroides, T. hemprichii and T. ciliatum are considered persistent whereas Cymodocea spp. and S. isoetifolium are considered opportunistic, Z. muelleri and H. uninervis are considered colonising to opportunistic. Wide strap seagrasses are typically more enduring than early colonising species of Halophila spp., with Zostera spp. forming both transitory and enduring meadows. Seagrasses can regenerate from the 'seed bank' retained in situ within the sediment, or be dispersed by herbivorous fauna or on fragments of vegetation[18]. Enduring meadows may fluctuate but generally remain to some extent through seasons and years[9]. The following relates to distribution of this ecosystem type within the Central Queensland mapping area:
CommentsOther relevant attributes include Water clarity, Energy magnitude and Energy source (wave) together with Sediment texture, Freshwater volume and Trace elements. Seagrasses need light to be able to photosynthesise and turbid water inhibits light penetration, thus the depth that light can penetrate is a major control. Severe storms (cyclones), and/or high rainfall, river discharge and the associated low Water clarity and high concentrations of nutrients and other potential contaminants, and sediment deposition leads to seagrass loss (see SeagrassWatch annual reports for inshore seagrass monitoring in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park[11][2]). Trace elements (nutrients N, P), herbicides and other contaminants are known to affect seagrass health and other structural macrobiota. This includes epiphytic algae and macroalgae which are indicators of high nutrients. Water temperature is also relevant. Marine heatwaves can negatively impact seagrass meadows[4][11]. Zostera is particularly susceptible to temperature stress. The optimal temperature for primary production of Zostera is 24 degrees Celsius, with deficient primary production (i.e. energy loss) above 35 degrees Celsius, compared to 40 degrees Celsius for deficient primary production in H. uninervis and C. serrulata[4]. Intertidal seagrass meadows are more vulnerable to increases in water, but also air, temperature, including burn-off and tissue damage. Seagrass in deeper water are less exposed to, and therefore affected by, changes in air and sea temperature[7]. Mapping represents locations that seagrass has been recorded at some point in time, and therefore locations where seagrass may grow now or in the future providing environmental conditions are suitable (e.g. wave action, Water clarity, sediment stability, temperature and the presence of nutrients and other potential contaminants). Additional informationSeagrass – Queensland Government Case study: Hervey Bay seagrass and dugong – Queensland Government Seagrass – Department of Environment, Science and Innovation Saltmarshes, seagrasses and algae – Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Seagrass-Watch: guides and manuals Seagrasses in Queensland (pamphlet) Seagrasses – Australian Institute of Marine Science Seagrass – A Vulnerability Assessment for the Great Barrier Reef References
Last updated: 16 July 2019 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2019) Intertidal wide strap seagrass, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/aquatic-ecosystems-natural/estuarine-marine/descriptions/12/ |