Overview

Macroalgal blooms are increasing world-wide and have negative effects on benthic invertebrates and sediments. These include loss of species diversity and development of hostile sediment environments. This book considers ecological effects of Ulva spp., and its mechanical removal on benthic invertebrates and sediments in Avon-Heathcote Estuary, New Zealand. Experimental removal of Ulva spp. was conducted by mechanical broom at two sites; an open, exposed central sand flat, and McCormacks Bay, a shallow, sheltered mud flat. Removing Ulva spp. had several immediate effects these included a significant decrease in abundance of mobile epifauna and an increase in abundance of infauna. There was no effect of Ulva spp. removal on Austrovenus stutchburyi condition and 46 days following removal, invertebrate abundances approached pre-removal levels at each site. Ulva spp. removal also caused short-term increases in dissolved oxygen and temperature of pore water. The greatest visual impact of removing Ulva spp. was to sediments in McCormacks Bay from trampling. Removal by mechanical broom was effective and had low impact on benthic invertebrates and physico-chemical variables.

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9783639090673

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