| Seagrass beds are an important marine habitat, acting as carbon sinks, stabilizing sediments, and filtering nutrients in the water. They also serve as nursery grounds for a vast array of species. Seagrass habitats are declining worldwide and information on areas targeted for restoration or conservation is needed to plan successful management programs. Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR) in Mississippi contains seagrass beds dominated by Halodule wrightii and Ruppia maritima. The distribution and density of three seagrass beds were investigated from 2007-2009. Density and abundance of seagrasses were variable, but no significant declines were detected. However, modifications to the current seagrass monitoring protocol are outlined due to contradictions in data. The genetic population structure of R. maritima was examined throughout GNDNERR and along the Gulf Coast using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). Genetic data indicated relatively high genetic diversity throughout the Gulf Coast, with certain populations exhibiting differing reproductive strategies. |
