title: The effects of storm-drains with periodic flows on intertidal algal assemblages in 'Ewa Beach (O'ahu), Hawai'i.
abstract: Storm-water drainage systems have potential to collect and focus nutrient enriched runoff into coastal systems. Storm-drain effluent could support macroalgal production and result in altered communities. To test this hypothesis, we assessed species composition and percent cover of native and non-native benthic macroalgae at eight intertidal sites along 'Ewa Beach, Hawai'i. Three sites contain storm-drainage outlets (drain 16-52 acres) that deliver effluent into the intertidal zone whereas five sites were located ≥ 100 m away and served as comparisons to determine differences related to the presence of storm-water. Results revealed lush and diverse macroalgal assemblages, similar at all sites. Furthermore, the abundance of non-native species (Acanthophora spicifera, Hypnea musciformis) was not related to presence of storm-drains. The finding that macroalgal assemblages are not related to storm-waters is contrary to an earlier investigation in the same location and underscores the importance of sampling design and habitat variation when assessing impacts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, Room 101, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. erincox@hawaii.edu
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D004323:Drainage, Sanitary; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006254:Hawaii; D012624:Seaweed / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014872:Water Movements; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D014873:Water Pollutants