title: Disturbance influences the invasion of a seagrass into an existing meadow.
abstract: Future impacts from climate change and human activities may increase the likelihood of invasions of native marine species into existing habitats as a result of range shifts. To provide an understanding of the invasion of a native seagrass species (Syringodium isoetifolium) into a tropical multi-species meadow, detailed field assessments were conducted over a six year period. After establishing in a discrete patch, the extent and standing crop of S.isoetifolium increased 800 and 7000 fold, respectively, between 1988 and 2003 (∼300-260,000 m(2) and<1 kg DW to 7596±555 kg DW). The expansion of S.isoetifolium was confined to subtidal areas and appears primarily from clonal growth. The observed expansion of this species into a new locality was found to be clearly influenced by cumulative impacts and chronic small-scale physical disturbances. This study has immediate relevance to managing impacts which influence the spread of invasive species.
authors: Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia. Electronic address: Len.McKenzie@jcu.edu.au.
authors: Len J
authors: LJ
authors: McKenzie
authors: Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia.
authors: Rudi L
authors: RL
authors: Yoshida
authors: Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, College of Science, Wallace Building, Swansea University SA2 8PP, UK.
authors: Richard K F
authors: RKF
authors: Unsworth
mesh_terms: D035961:Alismatales / Q000254:growth & development*; D057231:Climate Change; D017753:Ecosystem; D065948:Grassland; D006802:Human Activities; D006801:Humans; D058865:Introduced Species
keywords: Disturbance; Great Barrier Reef; Invasive species; Seagrass; Tropical