Title

Detached macrophyte accumulations in surf zones : significance of macrophyte type and volume in supporting secondary production

Date of Award

1-1-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

School

School of Natural Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

Abstract

Detached macrophytes (seagrass and macroalgae) are transported from more off shore areas and accumulate in large volumes in surf zones, where they are commonly called wrack. In coastal regions in other parts of the world, wrack transported from one habitat to a second habitat can be considered as a "spatial subsidy" for the recipient habitat with significant consequences for community dynamics and food webs. The primary aim of this study was to determine the significance of the different components of wrack (i.e. seagrass and brown, red and green algae) as a direct and indirect food source and habitat for invertebrates and fish in surf zones of south-western Australia.

http://library.ecu.edu.au/record=b1442986


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