Plant characteristics of the non-native seagrass Halophila stipulacea in recently colonized beds of Puerto Rico
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.The invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea is rapidly expanding in the Caribbean, with new research characterizing its plant traits like density and biomass. This invasive species highlights the changing seagrass landscape in the region.
Area Of Science
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Invasive Species Research
Background
- The seagrass Halophila stipulacea, native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, has invaded the Caribbean since 2002.
- Rapid spread has been observed across eastern Caribbean islands, Venezuela, and Florida, USA.
- Limited data exists on the morphology and characteristics of these invasive populations.
Purpose Of The Study
- To characterize the plant traits of Halophila stipulacea in newly established Caribbean populations.
- To assess the density, biomass, and leaf nutrient content of the invasive seagrass.
- To provide baseline data for understanding the ecological impact of H. stipulacea.
Main Methods
- Field surveys were conducted in 2022 at 10 shallow seagrass sites across 3 bays.
- Plant traits including leaf morphology, shoot density, and biomass were measured.
- Leaf carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios were analyzed.
Main Results
- Halophila stipulacea was found at 50% of surveyed sites.
- Density ranged from 3,000 to over 11,000 shoots m⁻², and biomass varied from 65 to 266 gdw m⁻².
- Leaf C:N:P ratios indicated no strong signs of nutrient limitation, with leaf area index (LAI) suggesting self-shading.
Conclusions
- The observed range expansion and characteristics of Halophila stipulacea beds provide evidence of significant changes in the Caribbean seagrass landscape.
- Establishing long-term seagrass mapping and monitoring programs is crucial for assessing the impact of this invasive species.
- Further research is needed to understand the ecological consequences of H. stipulacea proliferation.
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