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ECOLOGICAL ROLE OF BURROWING SEA CUCUMBERS, HOLOTHURIA ARENICOLA, IN ABACO, BAHAMAS
Title
ECOLOGICAL ROLE OF BURROWING SEA CUCUMBERS, HOLOTHURIA ARENICOLA, IN ABACO, BAHAMAS.
Creator
Boyd, Liberty, Moore, Jon A., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
Bioturbators serve as ecosystem engineers, influencing community dynamics of the environments in which they are endemic. Currently, the bioturbator, Holothuria arenicola, a species of burrowing sea cucumbers, is listed as data deficient by the IUCN. These animals may affect the structure and function of seagrass beds, which are critical habitats for various species. To assess the ecological role of H. arenicola , I conducted field surveys, calculated mound, and analyzed mound nutrient levels....
Show moreBioturbators serve as ecosystem engineers, influencing community dynamics of the environments in which they are endemic. Currently, the bioturbator, Holothuria arenicola, a species of burrowing sea cucumbers, is listed as data deficient by the IUCN. These animals may affect the structure and function of seagrass beds, which are critical habitats for various species. To assess the ecological role of H. arenicola , I conducted field surveys, calculated mound, and analyzed mound nutrient levels. I gathered data through monitoring study plots, conducting Bran-Blanquette seagrass surveys (Fourqurean et al., 2001), capturing GoPro video, and collecting samples. Results indicate an insignificant difference between nutrient levels and the ambient environment. However, a positive correlation between seagrass density and active mounds correlation is suggestive of a non-nutrient related ecological relationship between burrowing sea cucumbers and seagrass density. Follow-up studies are needed to further asses the ecological role of H. arenicola on seagrass beds.
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Date Issued
2018
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00006
Format
Document (PDF)
EPIBIONTS OF HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Title
EPIBIONTS OF HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLES IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA.
Creator
Boyd, Liberty, Moore, Jon A., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
Sea turtles, like all marine vertebrates, can host considerable populations of epibionts, i.e., externally-attached symbiotic organisms on the skin and shell. These organisms can form facultative, obligate, and sometimes endemic commensal relationships with sea turtles, whose outer surface provides an insular, mobile substrate for their colonization and dispersal. Juvenile hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, living off Florida’s east coast can develop considerable epibiotic growth. I...
Show moreSea turtles, like all marine vertebrates, can host considerable populations of epibionts, i.e., externally-attached symbiotic organisms on the skin and shell. These organisms can form facultative, obligate, and sometimes endemic commensal relationships with sea turtles, whose outer surface provides an insular, mobile substrate for their colonization and dispersal. Juvenile hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, living off Florida’s east coast can develop considerable epibiotic growth. I analyzed 236 photographs of 213 hawksbill turtles from SE Florida to document colonization patterns, relative abundance, and ecology of macroscopic commensals, including sea turtle barnacles (Chelonibia spp.), fire coral (Millepora spp.), and sponges (Porifera). I found that the epibionts increased significantly in overall abundance with turtle size. Hawksbill epibionts may reflect turtle movement and dispersal and can serve as a model for studying successional processes of epibiotic colonization.
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Date Issued
2018
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUHT00007
Format
Document (PDF)
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG BACTERIA NEAR SEWAGE OUTFALLS IN BERMUDA
Title
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG BACTERIA NEAR SEWAGE OUTFALLS IN BERMUDA.
Creator
Alker, Amanda, Moore, Jon A., Voss, Joshua D., Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
Antibiotic resistance among bacteria is a portentous global concern, which threatens the ability of medical professionals to successfully treat bacterial infections. In Bermuda, there is no wastewater treatment plant; therefore, about 4.3x106 L per day of untreated sewage is released into the ocean through two marine outfalls. Water samples were collected from 12 sample sites (outfalls, offshore sites, and onshore beach sites near the outfalls) over 4 sampling events between August and...
Show moreAntibiotic resistance among bacteria is a portentous global concern, which threatens the ability of medical professionals to successfully treat bacterial infections. In Bermuda, there is no wastewater treatment plant; therefore, about 4.3x106 L per day of untreated sewage is released into the ocean through two marine outfalls. Water samples were collected from 12 sample sites (outfalls, offshore sites, and onshore beach sites near the outfalls) over 4 sampling events between August and October, 2013. Water samples were analyzed for the presence of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility of each purified isolate was tested and classified using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of at least one methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolate. Documentation of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Bermudian waters supports the need for improved sewage treatment to ensure safe recreational use of these areas.
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Date Issued
2015
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013646
Format
Document (PDF)
Call Categorization and Vocal Behavior of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Title
Call Categorization and Vocal Behavior of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris).
Creator
Brady, Beth A., Moore, Jon, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Florida manatees are semisocial marine mammals that vocalize when interacting with conspecifics and to maintain contact with offspring. While many aspects of their biology have been studied, there is a dearth of information on the diversity and complexity of vocal behavior during social, nonsocial, and stressful situations. Investigations of vocal communication repertoires which define, categorize, and correlate varied call types with behavior are needed in order to understand the behavioral...
Show moreFlorida manatees are semisocial marine mammals that vocalize when interacting with conspecifics and to maintain contact with offspring. While many aspects of their biology have been studied, there is a dearth of information on the diversity and complexity of vocal behavior during social, nonsocial, and stressful situations. Investigations of vocal communication repertoires which define, categorize, and correlate varied call types with behavior are needed in order to understand the behavioral and social function of associated calls. Arguably the most important social bond in manatees is the period of cow/calf dependency and empirical evidence indicates cows recognize the vocalizations of offspring. Exploration of individually distinctive vocal features can provide insight on which parameters might be salient to facilitate recognition between cows/calves. This study is focused on vocal communication in Florida manatees, how calls are structured, utilized and function while animals are distressed and during social interactions in their shallow water habitats. Hydrophones recorded vocalizations from individual calves and manatees in different behavioral contexts and varying size aggregations. Analysis of the vocal repertoire indicated manatee vocalizations can be parsed into five broadly defined call types which include the hill-shaped high squeak, tonal squeak, noisy squeal, two toned chirp, and the combinatorial squeak-squeal. Furthermore, the high squeak is likely a discrete call whereas the others are graded and do not have strict boundaries between call types (Chapter 2). Broadly defined call types were used to explore call usage with variations in behavior, group size, and group composition (Chapter 3). Manatees vocalized using few call types and altered structural parameters depending on behavioral state. Calls were longer and more frequency modulated when stressed. Vocalizations produced while cavorting were higher in entropy and more frequency modulated than when manatees were resting or feeding. Vocalizations obtained from individual calves suggest that the high squeak is a stereotypical call that is produced by smaller calves. All calves had individually distinctive acoustic features that could potentially be used in recognition (Chapter 4). Lower fundamental frequencies and higher emphasized frequencies from smaller calves suggest that the fundamental frequency may not be a reliable indicator of body size in calves. This research increases our knowledge of the vocal behavior and call characteristics of the Florida manatee.
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Date Issued
2020
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013519
Subject Headings
Manatees, West Indian manatee--Florida, Trichechus manatus latirostris, Vocalization, Animal, Florida manatee
Format
Document (PDF)
Vertebrate and Invertebrate Commensals in Gopher Tortoise Burrows of Southeast Florida
Title
Vertebrate and Invertebrate Commensals in Gopher Tortoise Burrows of Southeast Florida.
Creator
Hipps, Amanda Cristina, Moore, Jon A., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) burrows provide a unique microhabitat used by hundreds of vertebrate and invertebrate species. Prior to this study, limited information was available regarding burrow commensal species in southeast Florida, especially for invertebrate taxa. This study is an in-depth investigation of vertebrate and invertebrate gopher tortoise burrow commensals and is the first to document obligate invertebrate commensals (OIC) in this region. The objective was to test a...
Show moreGopher tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) burrows provide a unique microhabitat used by hundreds of vertebrate and invertebrate species. Prior to this study, limited information was available regarding burrow commensal species in southeast Florida, especially for invertebrate taxa. This study is an in-depth investigation of vertebrate and invertebrate gopher tortoise burrow commensals and is the first to document obligate invertebrate commensals (OIC) in this region. The objective was to test a variety of noninvasive methods effective for surveying commensals, compile an account of species dependent on gopher tortoise burrows in southeast Florida, accumulate information on threatened, endangered, and invasive species, add to the distributional information on OIC’s, and present information to land managers. Three pine flatwoods and three scrub habitats, with varying degrees of management were surveyed. Eighty-nine species were identified. This study was a substantial step toward documenting gopher tortoise burrow commensals in this region.
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Date Issued
2019
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013378
Subject Headings
Gopher tortoise, Niche (Ecology), Commensalism, Keystone species
Format
Document (PDF)
Movement Ecology and Hematology of the Florida East Coast Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin tequesta) in the Central Indian River Lagoon
Title
Movement Ecology and Hematology of the Florida East Coast Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin tequesta) in the Central Indian River Lagoon.
Creator
Herr, Jeffrey Swersie, Moore, Jon A., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are an exclusively brackish water turtle found along the east coast of the United States. Very little is known about the Florida east coast diamondback terrapin (M. t. tequesta). This study examined wild terrapins in the central Indian River Lagoon to establish baseline population parameters for the species in this region. Morphometrics were assessed for the sampled animals, reinforcing findings of sexual dimorphism for the species. Acoustic...
Show moreDiamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are an exclusively brackish water turtle found along the east coast of the United States. Very little is known about the Florida east coast diamondback terrapin (M. t. tequesta). This study examined wild terrapins in the central Indian River Lagoon to establish baseline population parameters for the species in this region. Morphometrics were assessed for the sampled animals, reinforcing findings of sexual dimorphism for the species. Acoustic monitoring was used to investigate terrapin occupancy and habitat use. Occupancy differed seasonally, with the highest occupancy in the summer and fall, lower occupancy in the spring, and the lowest occupancy in the winter. Terrapins were detected most commonly and spent a high percentage of their time in the southern portion of the study site. Reference blood chemistry values were established for the population. This study provided baseline information on a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Florida.
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Date Issued
2021
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013863
Subject Headings
Diamondback terrapin--Ecology, Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Diamondback terrapin--Conservation
Format
Document (PDF)
Vertical Ecology and Diversity of Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Title
Vertical Ecology and Diversity of Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
Creator
Howard, Natalie, Moore, Jon A., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill had widespread impacts that were seen across the surface of the ocean, deep-sea, and seafloor. To assess damages, NOAA and GoMRI established the Offshore Nekton Sampling and Analysis Program (ONSAP) and the Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND) projects. This response effort would create a vast dataset and collection of samples to aid in understanding the deep-sea of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Genus Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae), are...
Show moreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill had widespread impacts that were seen across the surface of the ocean, deep-sea, and seafloor. To assess damages, NOAA and GoMRI established the Offshore Nekton Sampling and Analysis Program (ONSAP) and the Deep Pelagic Nekton Dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico (DEEPEND) projects. This response effort would create a vast dataset and collection of samples to aid in understanding the deep-sea of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Genus Melamphaes (Family Melamphaidae), are a group of minimally characterized and understudied fish. This thesis will assess vertical ecology and migratory patterns, variations in specimen size and sampling gear, and introduce species that are newly identified to inhabit the area. The findings suggest that majority of Melamphaes participate in diel vertical migration and sampling equipment has significant impacts on specimen size. Four unreported species of Melamphaes have now been documented in this region, increasing previously reported diversity.
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Date Issued
2023
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014348
Subject Headings
BP Deepwater Horizon Explosion and Oil Spill, 2010, Mexico, Gulf of, Melamphaidae, Aquatic ecology
Format
Document (PDF)