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Title: Grazing effects of herbivorous fishes and juvenile green turtles (Chelonia Mydas) on macroalgal communities.
Creator: Holloway-Adkins, Karen G., Hanisak, M. Dennis, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The impact of grazers on the primary production of marine ecosystems has largely been explored in tropical environments. A number of studies support theories on the functional importance of grazers in the community structure of coral reefs. However, large-bodied grazers, like juvenile green turtles, co-occur with herbivorous fishes in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world and we know little about their combined impact on macroalgal communities and whether they compete for...
Show moreThe impact of grazers on the primary production of marine ecosystems has largely been explored in tropical environments. A number of studies support theories on the functional importance of grazers in the community structure of coral reefs. However, large-bodied grazers, like juvenile green turtles, co-occur with herbivorous fishes in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world and we know little about their combined impact on macroalgal communities and whether they compete for macroalgal resources. My dissertation research was composed of four studies that were conducted simultaneously to further our understanding of plant/herbivore interactions in marine ecosystems. Studies were conducted at the Trident Basin, a non-public military facility within the Port Canaveral Inlet at Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA. The macroalgal study (Chapter 1), determined the spatial and temporal distribution of the macroalgal community. The foraging habits of juvenile green turtles were compared with the macroalgal abundance within the Basin and over time (Chapter 2). Selection ‘for’ specific macroalgal species (based on their availability in the macroalgae study) was used to determine the level of overlap and/or partitioning of resources among herbivorous fishes and juvenile green turtles (Chapter 3). The final empirical study (Chapter 4) measured the impact on thallus height, diameter and/or branching of macroalgae as well as the macroalgal community composition from caging experiments that excluded herbivorous fishes and juvenile green turtles. The algal community was predominantly composed of nine red and green macroalgal species that were persistent year-round. Grazer-resistant macroalgae were rarely observed. Green turtles foraged on many of these same macroalgae but also opportunistically foraged on flotsam, including anthropogenic debris (e.g., plastic). The gut content of the major herbivorous fishes in the community (Abudefduf saxatilis, Archosargus probatocephalus, Diplodus holbrooki, and Lagodon rhomboides) foraged as omnivores depending on where they were captured within the Basin area or their size. All herbivores showed selection for less abundant green algae (i.e., Ulva spp.). Results of the exclusion of juvenile green turtles and large herbivorous fishes in caging experiments suggest that grazing by these large-bodied herbivores had no impact on the composition of the macroalgal community and little impact on the morphological structure of the macroalgal species that were examined. Collectively these four studies contribute to a better understanding of how multiple grazers have evolved to forage in macroalgal communities without detrimental effects on their food resources.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004123, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004123
Subject Headings: Algal communities -- Physiology, Coral reef ecology, Herbivores -- Ecology, Sustainable agriculture
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Habitat selection among fishes and shrimp in the pelagic Sargassum community: the role of habitat architecture.
Creator: Bennice, Chelsea, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Pelagic Sargassum was used to determine the effects of habitat architecture for one species of shrimp (Leander tenuicornis) and two species of fish (Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio). Inter-thallus spacing (low, medium, and high) and depth (shallow versus deep) were manipulated independently to test whether the spatial components of habitat architecture. Two differing habitats (Sargassum versus seagrass species) were tested for the structural component of habitat architecture. There...
Show morePelagic Sargassum was used to determine the effects of habitat architecture for one species of shrimp (Leander tenuicornis) and two species of fish (Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio). Inter-thallus spacing (low, medium, and high) and depth (shallow versus deep) were manipulated independently to test whether the spatial components of habitat architecture. Two differing habitats (Sargassum versus seagrass species) were tested for the structural component of habitat architecture. There were no significant results for inter-thallus spacing experiments for L. tenuicornis and S. hispidus. H histrio selected habitats with medium inter-thallus spacing in two treatments. Large individual H. histrio contributed mostly to the significant effects. All three species selected habitats with a greater depth aspect. Finally, L. tenuicornis and H. histrio selected habitats with greater structural complexity (i.e., Sargassum). These results demonstrate clearly that habitat architecture of Sargassum influences habitat selection by these shrimp and fishes.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358284
Subject Headings: Habitat (Ecology), Sargassum, Ecology, Animal behavior, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Influence of Soil Disturbance and Fire on the Distribution of Caesar’s Weed (Urena Lobata) in Pine Flatwoods.
Creator: Hagood, Daniel Harrison, Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Novel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems. To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had...
Show moreNovel disturbances can increase the vulnerability of pine flatwoods to exotic species such as Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), a plant that has invaded many ecosystems. To understand Caesar’s weed response to disturbance, a factorial field manipulation was used to quantify invasion success. Influence of feral swine (Sus scrofa) on the presence of seeds in the area was analyzed. The effect of heat on Caesar’s weed germination was also quantified. A winter fire and mechanical soil disturbance had no statistical effect on the spread of Caesar’s weed. However, in feral swine disturbed soils Caesar’s weed was more likely to be husked and experience less competition from seeds of other species. Low levels of seed heating increased germination. This data can provide information about the influences of fire and soil disturbances on the spread of Caesar’s weed, as well as how fire intensity levels can affect the spread of invasive Caesar’s weed.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004928
Subject Headings: Ecology -- Florida, Urena lobata, Invasive plants--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Wading Bird Reproductive and Physiological Responses to Environmental Disturbance in a Managed Lake Ecosystem.
Creator: Chastant, Jennifer E., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Wetlands are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Water-level fluctuations determine the ecological function of shallow lakes and wetlands. Currently, anthropogenic modification to water-level fluctuations is the leading source of ecological degradation in lake and wetland ecosystems worldwide. I used wading birds nesting in Lake Okeechobee, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic...
Show moreWetlands are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Water-level fluctuations determine the ecological function of shallow lakes and wetlands. Currently, anthropogenic modification to water-level fluctuations is the leading source of ecological degradation in lake and wetland ecosystems worldwide. I used wading birds nesting in Lake Okeechobee, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Specifically, I 1) identified environmental factors most important for predicting the number of wading bird nests, 2) tested the assumptions of both the match-mismatch and the threshold hypothesis by modeling the relationship between nesting success and prey density with foraging habitat availability, and 3) measured the stress response of Great (Ardea alba) and Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) to hydrologically-mediated changes in food availability. Collectively, the results suggest that the number of nests was greatest when area of nesting substrate was high and water-levels were moderate (3.9 - 4.4 m). Nest numbers dropped when either nesting substrate or foraging habitat was limited. My investigation into the predictions of the match-mismatch and threshold hypotheses found that indeed, prey density can reduce or intensify the effects of a mismatch event. The interaction of prey density and foraging habitat availability was significant and positive in both models. Saturation thresholds existed for both fledging success (147 prey (m^2)^-1) and total productivity (189 prey (m^2)^-1), above which high concentrations of prey could sustain nesting when foraging habitat availability was low. Finally, my studies of the stress response support the hypothesis that hydrologic factors associated with prey availability play an important role in regulating nesting patterns, although the level of food limitation the birds experience at the lake was not as severe as expected. Model selection identified foraging habitat availability as most influential to the nestling Great Egret stress response, whereas foraging habitat availability and prey density both influenced nestling Snowy Egret stress response. Moreover, the Snowy Egret stress response was more sensitive to changes in prey availability than was the Great Egret stress response. Temperature and foraging conditions influenced yolk corticosterone concentrations for both egret species.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004779
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology., Estuarine ecology., Water birds--Habitat., Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mapping the Fresh-Saltwater Transition Zone Across the Beach Environment Using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR).
Creator: Becker, Joseph Michael, Roberts Briggs, Tiffany, Comas, Xavier, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: As sea level rises, saltwater migration can threaten coastal ecosystems and beach-dune environments, which negatively impacts coastal flora. This study uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of saltwater migration in the near shore at high lateral resolution (i.e. cm) by using daily micro tidal cycles as analogs to infer saltwater migration. Time-lapse GPR profiles were collected at low and high tide capturing phase lags of the tidal flux through...
Show moreAs sea level rises, saltwater migration can threaten coastal ecosystems and beach-dune environments, which negatively impacts coastal flora. This study uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of saltwater migration in the near shore at high lateral resolution (i.e. cm) by using daily micro tidal cycles as analogs to infer saltwater migration. Time-lapse GPR profiles were collected at low and high tide capturing phase lags of the tidal flux through different substrates. GPR measurements were collected at two sites in Miami with contrasting lithologies: a) Crandon Park, composed of unconsolidated sand; and b) the Barnacle Historic State Park, composed of the Miami Limestone Formation. Laboratory-scale GPR measurements were collected over samples mimicking field conditions. The results may be helpful to identify regions vulnerable to saltwater migration in the near shore based on lithological variability, and to mitigate negative impacts for flora in beach-dune habitats during sea level rise.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013183
Subject Headings: Ground penetrating radar, Saltwaters, Seashore ecology, Coastal ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Prey selectivity of the fishes Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio on the Sargassum shrimps Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis.
Creator: Hutchinson, Kimberly A., Florida Atlantic University, Brooks, W. Randy
Abstract/Description: Predator-prey relationships were studied between the shrimps Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis and the predatory fishes Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio, all found within pelagic Sargassum communities. Average survival times of shrimps were compared in species, size/density, and habitat selection studies. The results showed that S. hispidus had a preference for prey species while H. histrio did not. 30 mm shrimp survived longer than the 10 mm shrimp for both S. hispidus and...
Show morePredator-prey relationships were studied between the shrimps Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis and the predatory fishes Stephanolepis hispidus and Histrio histrio, all found within pelagic Sargassum communities. Average survival times of shrimps were compared in species, size/density, and habitat selection studies. The results showed that S. hispidus had a preference for prey species while H. histrio did not. 30 mm shrimp survived longer than the 10 mm shrimp for both S. hispidus and H. histrio. Density was a factor in the survival times of the 20 mm shrimps with S. hispidus only. L. tenuicornis survived longer in artificial Sargassum habitats with H. histrio. The larger shrimps survived longer in the artificial habitats than the smaller shrimps with S. hispidus. Both fish predators employ optimal foraging strategies with similarities and differences, the latter of which are likely related to behavioral differences in the these predator and prey.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13156
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Fishes--Ecology, Ocean bottom ecology, Marine animals
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An evaluation of the microbiological quality of sandy beaches: A novel approach.
Creator: Mohammed, Renuka Lisa, Florida Atlantic University, Esiobu, Nwadiuto
Abstract/Description: A novel, 'near-real' time technique; peptide nucleic acid chemilumiscent in situ hybridization (PNA CISH), was developed and validated for detecting, enumerating and identifying potential indicators (Staphyloccus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of beach quality. To understand the dynamics of bacterial indicators a plethora of physical, chemical and biological parameters were tested under field and lab conditions. Escherichia coli tagged with green fluorescence protein (GFP) was used to...
Show moreA novel, 'near-real' time technique; peptide nucleic acid chemilumiscent in situ hybridization (PNA CISH), was developed and validated for detecting, enumerating and identifying potential indicators (Staphyloccus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of beach quality. To understand the dynamics of bacterial indicators a plethora of physical, chemical and biological parameters were tested under field and lab conditions. Escherichia coli tagged with green fluorescence protein (GFP) was used to assess the impact of wave energy and rainfall on seawater counts. PNA CISH and plate counts correlated strongly (r = 0.94 to r = 0.86). Temperature, salinity, nutrient availability and predation significantly influenced the survival of indicators. Rainfall and wave energy affected the re-suspension of bacteria from sand onto overlying water. Overall PNA CISH provides a reliable rapid method for beach monitoring. The implications of beach topography and sampling time on the numbers of Clostridium perfringens and other potential indicators are discussed. Data suggest a revision of policy for tropical sandy beaches.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13117
Subject Headings: Coastal zone management, Coastal ecology, Sand dune ecology, Beaches
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nematocyst replacement in the sea anemone Aiptasia Pallida following predation by Lysmata Wurdemanni: an inducible defense?.
Creator: Jennings, Lucas, Laramore, Susan E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst...
Show moreThe sea anemone Aiptasia pallida is a biological model for anthozoan research. Like all cnidarians, A. pallida possesses nematocysts for food capture and defense. Studies have shown that anthozoans, such as corals, can rapidly increase nematocyst concentration when faced with competition or predation, suggesting that nematocyst production may be an induced trait. The potential effects of two types of tissue damage, predator induced (Lysmata wurdemanni) and artificial (forceps), on nematocyst concentration was assessed. Nematocysts were identified by type and size to examine the potential plasticity associated with nematocyst production. While no significant differences were found in defensive nematocyst concentration between shrimp predation treatments versus controls, there was a significant difference in small-sized nematocyst in anemones damaged with forceps. The proportions of the different types of nematocysts between treatment types were also found to be different suggesting that nematocyst production in A. pallida is a plastic trait.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004204
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine ecology, Nematocysts, Predation (Biology), Sea anemones
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of chemical and visual cues by two Sargassum shrimps in locating and selecting habitats.
Creator: Jobe, Corrine F., Florida Atlantic University, Brooks, W. Randy, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The Sargassum community is comprised of a unique and diverse assemblage of organisms. Habitat detection by two of the most common invertebrates, Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis , was investigated. Results of this study do not support that either L. fucorum or L. tenuicornis respond to chemical cues released by the Sargassum habitat in the absence of other information. Habitat selection of both shrimp species was examined as well. Both L. fucorum and L. tenuicornis selected live...
Show moreThe Sargassum community is comprised of a unique and diverse assemblage of organisms. Habitat detection by two of the most common invertebrates, Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis , was investigated. Results of this study do not support that either L. fucorum or L. tenuicornis respond to chemical cues released by the Sargassum habitat in the absence of other information. Habitat selection of both shrimp species was examined as well. Both L. fucorum and L. tenuicornis selected live Sargassum over artificial Sargassum . Moreover, L. fucorum selected Sargassum natans over Sargassum fluitans when only visual cues were available, whereas large-sized L. tenuicornis selected S. fluitans under the same conditions. Conversely, habitat selection trials combining both chemical and visual cues resulted in no preference between the two Sargassum species by either shrimp species. Additional ecological factors that possibly influence habitat location and selection are discussed as well as the importance of Sargassum in terms of pelagic fisheries management.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13381
Subject Headings: Habitat (Ecology), Sargassum, Marine chemical ecology, Animal behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Trophic Ecology of the Slender Snipe Eel, Nemichthys scolopaceus (Anguilliformes: Nemichthyidae).
Creator: Feagans, Jennifer N., Sutton, Tracey T., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Roughly 92% of the total volume of Earth's oceans is considered deep sea. The eel species, Nemichthys scolopaceus, inhabits these waters, and little is known of its diet, its place within pelagic food webs, and its overall ecological impact. In this study we quantitatively estimate the abundance, feeding and predation impact of this key predator. Specimens were collected in 2004 along Georges Bank as part of the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine project. Gut contents were analyzed,...
Show moreRoughly 92% of the total volume of Earth's oceans is considered deep sea. The eel species, Nemichthys scolopaceus, inhabits these waters, and little is known of its diet, its place within pelagic food webs, and its overall ecological impact. In this study we quantitatively estimate the abundance, feeding and predation impact of this key predator. Specimens were collected in 2004 along Georges Bank as part of the Census of Marine Life Gulf of Maine project. Gut contents were analyzed, revealing thirteen prey types, primarily euphausiids and decapod crustaceans. Other potential prey (i.e. fishes) were absent from the diet, suggesting a fairly selective feeding preference. Of the 85 fish species collected, N scolopaceus ranked second in abundance and first in total fish biomass. Therefore, this species is not only a large biomass contributor, but perhaps cycles a great deal of macrocrustacean carbon through deep-pelagic fishes in this, and likely other, ecosystems.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000760
Subject Headings: Predatory marine animals--Ecology, Marine ecosystem management, Aquatic ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps, habitat, behavior and community structure in Mid-Atlantic and southern New England waters.
Creator: Grimes, C. B., Able, K. W., Jones, Robert S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1986
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3333081
Subject Headings: Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps, Habitat (Ecology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Marine ornamental shrimp:status and prospects.
Creator: Lin, Junda, Zhang, Dong, Creswell, R. LeRoy, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007315
Subject Headings: Ornamental shrimps, Coral reef ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Modification of tropical reef community structure due to cultural eutrophication: the southwest coastof Martinique.
Creator: Littler, Mark M., Littler, Diane S., Lapointe, Brian E.
Date Issued: 1993
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007094
Subject Headings: Martinique, Eutrophication, Reef ecology, Microalgae
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Synchrony andsociality: breeding strategies in constant and variable environments.
Creator: Young, Craig M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007271
Subject Headings: Breeding, Reproduction, Benthos, Aquatic ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Variable effects of ascidian competitors on oysters in a Florida epifaunal community.
Creator: Dalby, James E., Jr., Young, Craig M., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1993
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3331868
Subject Headings: Oysters, Ascidians, Oysters--Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The ecology of the western Atlantic athecate hydroid, Solanderia gracilis.
Creator: Larson, R. J., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1987
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172773
Subject Headings: Hydroida, Polyps, Algae, Ecology, Sponges
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of coral reefs using herbivory/nutrient assays and indicator groups of benthic primary producers: a critical synthesis, proposed protocols, and critique of management strategies.
Creator: Littler, Mark M., Littler, Diane S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3174117
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Reefs, Coral
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Probiotics in aquaculture: An analysis of the bacteria associated with the gut of healthy shrimps, Penaeus spp.
Creator: Yamazaki, Koske, Florida Atlantic University, Esiobu, Nwadiuto
Abstract/Description: A recent surge in the consumption of shrimps has compelled the aquaculture industry to expand greatly. Bacteriosis poses a major challenge to shrimp cultivation. Probiotic control of disease in larvicultures has been on the rise for the past decade; however, there has been little research to provide required frameworks for this promising technology. In this study, the normal gut flora of the commercially important shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and its relative, P. duorarum was extensively...
Show moreA recent surge in the consumption of shrimps has compelled the aquaculture industry to expand greatly. Bacteriosis poses a major challenge to shrimp cultivation. Probiotic control of disease in larvicultures has been on the rise for the past decade; however, there has been little research to provide required frameworks for this promising technology. In this study, the normal gut flora of the commercially important shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and its relative, P. duorarum was extensively analyzed to provide a basis for selection of putative probiotic strains. Heterotorphic members of the gut and ambient water were isolated and characterized by culture techniques, microscopy, Biolog biochemical fingerprinting, whole cell crude protein fingerprinting, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Non-pathogenic Vibrio harveyi-like strains were prevalent in the gut of both penaied shrimps, regardless of age and source. Community level physiological profiling by principal component analysis showed the gut community was fairly stable throughout shrimp life stages.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12927
Subject Headings: Biology, Ecology, Shrimps--Microbiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ANALYSIS OF TROPHIC STRUCTURE FOLLOWING ESTUARINE HABITAT RESTORATION WITHIN LAKE WORTH LAGOON, FLORIDA.
Creator: Kobylski, Adam, Markwith, Scott, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: We collected, with FWC, taxa inventory and numerical abundance data at three sites, a restoration concurrent with sampling, an older completed restoration, and an unimproved reference site, from 2014 to 2018 in the Central Lake Worth Lagoon, Florida. We examined effects in response to estuary habitat restoration and water quality on nekton food web structure among sites over time. A binary matrix of plausible interactions among trophic species, classified by size, was used to produce 51...
Show moreWe collected, with FWC, taxa inventory and numerical abundance data at three sites, a restoration concurrent with sampling, an older completed restoration, and an unimproved reference site, from 2014 to 2018 in the Central Lake Worth Lagoon, Florida. We examined effects in response to estuary habitat restoration and water quality on nekton food web structure among sites over time. A binary matrix of plausible interactions among trophic species, classified by size, was used to produce 51 individual food webs and nine trophic structure metrices within the R: Package Cheddar. Interactions of site and restoration, i.e., pre- vs. post-restoration samples, were found to be not significant in repeated-measures ANOVAs for each food web metric. Random forest analysis only identified Secchi depth as an important predictor of food web generality. Our findings suggest that generality and Secchi depth are inversely correlated and relatively stable within the Central Lake Worth Lagoon sites.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013921
Subject Headings: Estuarine restoration, Food chains (Ecology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Shifting Relationship: Understanding the Dynamics Between Generational Ranchers, Conservation, and Urbanization in Florida.
Creator: Grant, Catalin T., Garriga- López, Adriana, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Anthropology, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study is to understand how the relationship between generational cattle ranchers and conservation efforts is changing given rapid development and urbanization within the state of Florida over the past decade. To understand this relationship, the author used participant observation in conjunction with ethnographic interviews to work with ranchers and individuals from the Green Paths Foundation to draw a comprehensive picture of how development has affected ranching and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to understand how the relationship between generational cattle ranchers and conservation efforts is changing given rapid development and urbanization within the state of Florida over the past decade. To understand this relationship, the author used participant observation in conjunction with ethnographic interviews to work with ranchers and individuals from the Green Paths Foundation to draw a comprehensive picture of how development has affected ranching and conservation efforts in Florida. With the help of cultural consultants, I was able to make additional connections within the ranching and conservation communities that helped to provide further context to the question being investigated in this thesis and to understand how Florida’s Conservation Corridor mediates between ranchers and conservation imperatives.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014393
Subject Headings: Ecology, Anthropology, Ranchers, Conservation biology
Format: Document (PDF)

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