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Author Analytic: Uhrin, A. V. ,J. G. Holmquist
Title Analytic: Effects of Propeller Scarring on Macrofaunal Use of the Seagrass Thalassia testudinum
Journal Title: Marine Ecology Progress Series
Date of Publication: 2003
Volume ID: 250
Location In Work: 61-70
 Keywords: Propeller scarring, edge, Thalassia testudinum, Decapoda, Shrimp, Fish, Mollusc, Land and Resource Use
Stressor: Resource and land use
 Availability: Contact author
Type: Journal Article
 Abstract: Damage to seagrasses by propeller scarring is common in coastal waters. Scarring has the potential to fragment seagrass beds resulting in habitat loss, decreased productivity, and the possibility for further erosion and degradation. A study was conducted in Thalassia testudinum beds in Puerto Rico to determine how seagrass plants, associated fauna, and physical processes are affected by this disturbance. Four treatments (propeller scar, seagrass/scar interface, and seagrass located 5 and 10 m from scars) were compared among 10 replicate seagrass beds. Scarring modified the faunal assemblage at the scale of the propeller-created gap; there was significantly lower total faunal abundance and fewer faunal species in scars. When individual taxa were considered, shrimp and mollusc abundances were significantly lower in scars. Resident fish abundance was not significantly different among treatments. Dominant shrimp species in scars differed from seagrass treatments. Crabs and molluscs responded negatively to scarring as indicated by significantly lower densities of these two taxa up to 5 m from scars. The extent to which these results scale up remains unknown and future studies should focus on larger, more intensely scarred areas.
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