Project Title: Early Detection of Nutrient Over-Enrichment Using Eelgrass Community Response
Principal Investigator(s): Frederick T. Short and David M. Burdick
Accomplishments
Scheduled Tasks:
- Journal Publications on Method
- Eelgrass NPI outreach using CD-ROM
Progress on Tasks
- The temporal and spatial variability of the NPI was examined in Great Bay as well as Waquoit Bay and Narragansett Bay, two other estuaries with NERRs. Also, the impact of flushing on the NPI using mesocosms was interpreted and evaluated. These three research avenues have resulted in three manuscripts to be published in peer-reviewed journals (see below).
- An outreach product, currently in CD-ROM format, detailing the eelgrass-based NPI will include sections on the development of the NPI, a methods manual for the NPI and short video segments on eelgrass habitat. A version of the CD that includes all the front end and navigational tools is now running. The development of the NPI section of the CD is complete. The manual and the eelgrass ecology section are complete and are now being incorporated into the CD-ROM.
Difficulties Encountered
Capturing photos from video to use on the CD is causing delays.
Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives in Scheduled Project Period
All objectives will be met as soon as possible; the work is continuing.
Manuscript Preparation on NPI Method:
The following manuscripts are in various stages of preparation:
Kun-Seop Lee, Frederick T. Short, David M. Burdick. In re-review. Patterns in morphology and leaf nutrient content of the seagrass Zostera marina along nutrient gradients in three New England estuaries. Aquatic Botany
Kun-Seop Lee, Frederick T. Short, David M. Burdick. In prep. Seasonal changes in plant morphology and leaf tissue nutrient constituents of eelgrass, Zostera marina, along an estuarine gradient in Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire, USA. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.
Kun-Seop Lee, Frederick T. Short, David M. Burdick. In prep. Development of an indicator of nitrogen over-enrichment in estuarine systems using leaf tissue N content and plant morphology of seagrass Zostera marina using hydroponic deployments.
Frederick T. Short, Kun-Seop Lee, David M. Burdick. In prep. Effects of water column nutrient enrichment and flushing rates on leaf tissue C and N content and morphological characteristics of seagrass Zostera marina in mesocosm systems. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.
Preliminary Results
Advance copies of the manuscripts and the current version of the CD-ROM will be made available to CICEET upon request.
Tasks and activities for next reporting period
Tasks for the next reporting period
Journal Publications, including final report to CICEET
CD-ROM on the NPI, including the Management Document
Work plan to accomplish tasks
- Peer review of the manuscripts
- Complete the Beta version of the CD-ROM of Eelgrass NPI
- Produce the CD-ROM and modify for inclusion on CICEET web site.
Concerns or difficulties
None foreseen.
Expenditures
Expenditures have been completed. We will complete all tasks as detailed above in section II with no additional funds.
