Survey of Submersed Aquatic Vegetation of the Currituck Sound and the WesternAlbemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System

摘要

Surveys of Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Pamlico River system wereconducted in 1985, 1987, and 1988 to determine the species present and to estimate their abundance. In 1985 only widgeongrass was found in the river while in 1987 a small amount of wildcelery was found. By 1988 significant stands of wildcelery covered some areas in the middle reach. Wildcelery was stressed both years as indicated by small plants with narrow leaves and frequent fragmentation of leaves. Salinity and heavy epiphytic growth were among the stress factors observed. Traces of Sago pondweed and redhead grass appeared in 1988. The Pamlico River and Currituck Sound are two areas of special concern relative of SAV populations. Significant increases in water transparency in the Currituck Sound could lead to regrowth of Eurasian watermilfoil in nuisance proportions.