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Other seagrass in deep waterShort descriptionDeep subtidal seagrass meadows dominated by unknown or unspecified growth form. 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 descriptionDeep (greater than 10 metres) subtidal seagrass meadows dominated by unknown or unspecified growth form, which are likely to include Halophila spinulosa and other Halophila spp., but can also include Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni*, Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Enhalus acoroides, Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Thalassia hemprichii, Thalassodendron ciliatum and Syringodium isoetifolium. Deep water species typically have high tolerance to low light in deep water but growth is intermittent, recurrence in deeper water, and patchy spatially and temporally. It is mostly Halophila spp. that grow in these lower light conditions due to their lower biomass and associated lower respiratory and photosynthetic demands[20]. *Revision of Zostera capricorni has resulted in classification to subspecies. In Queensland, Zostera capricorni has been revised to Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni[8]. Deep water seagrasses provide feeding habitat for dugong. In Western Australia, deep water meadows provide dugong habitat with evidence of long deep dives to feed on rhizomes with high nutrient content. Long, deep dives may be more costly in time and energy than the shorter dives characteristic of feeding in shallow water. H. spinulosa has large fleshy rhizomes similar to those known to contain abundant starch in other members of the genus and it is suggested that carbohydrate-rich rhizomes might compensate for the higher costs of foraging in deep water. Dugongs travelled along the deeper sea floor feeding on seagrass during long-distance movements, only coming to the surface to breathe[18]. 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[15][19]. Not only do seagrass provide habitat for fish, but the proximity of seagrass meadows to other ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs) increases their abundance in these ecosystems[6][13]. Seagrass meadows, particularly those containing H. uninervis and H. ovalis, provide food for dugong[18] and green sea turtles[10]. Dugongs feed mostly on the roots of mostly H. uninervis whereas green turtles tend to graze the leaves of mostly H. ovalis. Halodule uninervis[18] and H. ovalis[14] are reported to be the most nutritious seagrasses due to high nitrogen and starch content. Grazing of H. uninervis and H. ovalis has been shown to increase production of a nitrogen-rich standing crop[14][1][10]. Deep water seagrasses provide feeding habitat for dugong and potentially a refuge if nearshore seagrasses are impacted by runoff, low light / poor water clarity, high nutrients causing algal overgrowth etc. Potentially deep water seagrasses provide a refugia for dugong feeding when shallow nearshore seagrasses are impacted by flood runoff[18]. Diagnostic attributesInundation 'Subtidal' Structural macrobiota 'Seagrass - other' Benthic depth 'Deep (10-30m)' 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[2][5][17]. 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 (SeagrassWatch). Halophila spp. are early colonisers and often found in areas subject to disturbance, such as the receiving waters of runoff from built up areas along the Queensland coastline. Colonising species typically have fast shoot turnover, short lifespan, fast sexual maturation and development of a (dormant) seed bank. They have low physiological resistance to disturbance but a rapid ability to recover[9]. The following relates to distribution of this ecosystem type within the Central Queensland mapping area:
CommentsOther relevant attributes include Water clarity, Sediment texture, and Trace elements, together with Energy magnitude, Energy source (wave) and Freshwater volume however deeper seagrass tend to be less influenced by energy and freshwater except in a severe storm. Seagrasses need light to be able to photosynthesise and turbid water inhibits light penetration, thus the Benthic 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[12][3]). 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 also negatively impact seagrass meadows[4][12]. Deep meadows are generally less susceptible to temperature than shallow subtidal and intertidal seagrasses[7]. Mapping represents locations where 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 Trace elements (the presence of nutrients and other potential contaminants)). Additional InformationSeagrass - Queensland Government Seagrass (Case study: Hervey Bay seagrass and dugong) - Queensland Government Saltmarshes, seagrasses and algae - Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Seagrasses in Queensland (pamphlet) Seagrass - Department of Environment, Science and Innovation Seagrasses - Australian Institute of Marine Science References
Last updated: 19 July 2019 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2019) Other seagrass in deep water, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/aquatic-ecosystems-natural/estuarine-marine/descriptions/53/ |