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Publication #CIR 1524

 

Stressor Response Model for Tape Grass (Vallisneria americana)1

Frank J. Mazzotti, Leonard G. Pearlstine, Robert H.Chamberlain, Melody J. Hunt, Tomma Barnes, Kevin Chartier, Donald DeAngelis2

Abstract

Full text of this document is available at

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW28100.pdf

ABSTRACT:

Regional forecasting models are a key component in adaptive management of Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects. The forecasting models for the C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir project and the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study consist of a set of stressor response models (habitat suitability index models) for individual species. This paper describes the habitat suitability index (HSI) model for tape grass (Vallisneria americana) in the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Tape grass is a salt-tolerant freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) species that is located in the fresh, oligohaline, and mesohaline portions of estuaries in the eastern United States. The historic abundance of SAV has contributed to high productivity in estuaries, and SAV also provides food for waterfowl and a critical habitat for shellfish and finfish. In addition, submerged plants affect nutrient cycling, sediment stability, and water clarity. The HSI for tape grass includes four components: the previous months HSI score, salinity, light availability, and temperature. A review of the literature, field studies, and laboratory investigations of tape grass habitat requirements were used to establish hydrologic targets. This model could be used to quantify impacts of alternative management or restoration actions and to assist managers in policy decisions.

Footnotes

1.

This document is CIR 1524, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date January 2008. Reviewed February 2011. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Frank J. Mazzotti, Associate Professor, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida (UF); Leonard G. Pearlstine, Assistant Scientist, FLREC/IFAS/UF; Robert H. Chamberlain, Lead Environmental Scientist, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD); Melody J. Hunt, Senior Environmental Scientist, SFWMD; Tomma Barnes, Consultant, Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc. (PBS and J, Inc.); Kevin Chartier, GIS Applications Developer, FLREC/IFAS/UF; Donald DeAngelis, Landscape Ecologist, U.S. Geological Survey/University of Miami.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.