Changes in submersed macrophytes in relation to tidal storm surges

摘要

Long-term submersed macrophyte presence-absence data collected from 15 stations in Kings Bay/Crystal River, Florida, were studied in relation to three major storm events. The percentage occurrence of most species declined immediately after storm events but the recovery pattern after the storm differed among species. Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) exhibited differing recolonization behaviours. Eurasian watermilfoil recolonized quickly after stormsbut declined in abundance as hydrilla began to increase in abundance. Natural catastrophic events restructure submersed macrophyte communities by eliminating the dominate species, and allowing revegetation and restructuring of communities. Tidal surges may also act to maintain species diversity in the system. In addition, catastrophic events remove dense nuisance plant growth for several years, altering the public's perception of the nuisance plant problem of Kings Bay/Crystal River.