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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: SPATIOTEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF THE FLORIDA BAY ECOSYSTEM IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND EVERGLADES RESTORATION.
Creator: Smith, Mason J., Markwith, Scott H., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: One of the largest restoration programs in the world, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) aims to restore freshwater flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay estuary. Coupled with climate change, future changes from restoration highlight the need to implement an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approach in Florida Bay. The Ecopath framework was used to develop and apply a mass-balanced food web model to the spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological restoration and...
Show moreOne of the largest restoration programs in the world, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) aims to restore freshwater flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay estuary. Coupled with climate change, future changes from restoration highlight the need to implement an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approach in Florida Bay. The Ecopath framework was used to develop and apply a mass-balanced food web model to the spatiotemporal dynamics of hydrological restoration and climate change through time. Results suggest Florida Bay is stabilized through large detrital energy pathways and low nutrient inputs, but subject to species distribution shifts due primarily to sea-level rise and salinity variation. A suite of winners and losers predicted provide an opportunity to ensure management strategies are designed appropriately to best achieve desired results for the future of the Florida Bay ecosystem.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013913
Subject Headings: Florida Bay (Fla.), Restoration ecology, Climate change
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Survival and Growth of Sponge Recruits in a Land-based Nursery.
Creator: Crouch, Barbara C., Fonnegra, Andia Chaves, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Sponges (phylum Porifera) are ancient animals that provide numerous ecosystem functions (e.g., water filtration, habitat, food source) and commercial applications (e.g., bath sponges and pharmaceuticals). However, mass mortality events in Florida Bay have drastically impacted sponge communities and the ecosystem services they provide. To restore habitats, sponge restoration initiatives are ongoing in Florida. The aim of this thesis was to determine survival and growth of sponges in a land...
Show moreSponges (phylum Porifera) are ancient animals that provide numerous ecosystem functions (e.g., water filtration, habitat, food source) and commercial applications (e.g., bath sponges and pharmaceuticals). However, mass mortality events in Florida Bay have drastically impacted sponge communities and the ecosystem services they provide. To restore habitats, sponge restoration initiatives are ongoing in Florida. The aim of this thesis was to determine survival and growth of sponges in a land-based nursery. Larvae from four species were collected from the Indian River Lagoon and the Florida Keys from July to September 2021. Larval settlement and metamorphosis, survival of recruits, morphological development and growth were observed, quantified, and compared to other species. Larvae settlement success was highest in our Heteroscleromorpha species Tedania ignis, Haliclona caerulea and Niphates erecta, but not the Keratosa species Spongia sp. However, the highest recruit survival was the Spongia sp. Early developmental characteristics were significantly different among species and over observation periods, with most developmental characteristics occurring during the first 14 days post-settlement. H. caerulea and Spongia sp. developed faster than other species. Spongia sp. recruit growth was higher when kept in artificial seawater with no food supplement. These results provide further insight toward optimizing the FAUHBOI sponge nursery protocols to supplement current restoration efforts and increase the abundance of sponge populations and community diversity.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014086
Subject Headings: Sponges--Florida, Restoration ecology, Sponges--Growth
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ICHTHYOPLANKTON RECRUITMENT WITHIN MANGROVE-DOMINATED MOSQUITO CONTROL IMPOUNDMENTS.
Creator: Rodrigue, Margaret, Hanisak, M. Dennis, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Coastal wetlands across the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) on the east coast of Florida have been impounded for mosquito control purposes, which have been known to have adverse effects on overall fish populations. The objective of this project was to assess the use of culverts by species of larval fish at three impounded mangrove sites in the IRL. Light traps were used to collect samples of larval fish (both inside the basins and in the surrounding lagoon) which were humanely euthanized, preserved...
Show moreCoastal wetlands across the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) on the east coast of Florida have been impounded for mosquito control purposes, which have been known to have adverse effects on overall fish populations. The objective of this project was to assess the use of culverts by species of larval fish at three impounded mangrove sites in the IRL. Light traps were used to collect samples of larval fish (both inside the basins and in the surrounding lagoon) which were humanely euthanized, preserved, and examined under a digital microscope. A total of 3,926 fish were collected from 24 taxa in 576 samples over the year-long study. Larval seasonality generally followed known reproductive seasonality of the species captured. Inside the impoundments were dominated by species known to spawn in and around mangroves such as the Gambusia holbrooki and Poecilia latipinna. Species that spawn in the IRL or in coastal waters that subsequently use the IRL as a nursery (such as Anchoa mitchilli and Gobiosoma robustum) had relatively low catches in the impoundments. Larvae of the main sportfishery species that have juveniles known to utilize the studied impoundments (Megalops atlanticus, the Atlantic tarpon, and Centropomus undecimalis, the common snook), were rarely caught inside the impoundments or in the surrounding IRL. The low numbers of IRL and offshore spawning larvae that enter the impoundments may be hindered by restricted water flow through culverts connecting the habitats, or by their inability to survive the low DO conditions often found inside the impoundments, especially during the summer. The lack of larval tarpon and snook in the light collections suggest that these species metamorphose from the larval to juvenile stage outside of the impoundments, before they enter the mangrove-dominated nursery habitats. The results of the study can be used to further modify impoundment restoration and management strategies to enhance their role as fish nursery habitats.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014256
Subject Headings: Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon), Mangrove ecology, Mangrove restoration, Snook, Tarpon
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Can Everglades forested wetlands significantly reduce nutrient concentrations in surface waters?.
Creator: Cole, Dara Michelle., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: To improve water quality as part of a large restoration effort, constructed herbaceous wetlands will be used as filters of high nutrient water. In this study, I tested whether mixed forested wetlands could also be used as nutrient filters. I examined water quality parameters within a forested slough isolated from direct anthropogenic disturbance and within an impounded forest wetland receiving direct agricultural effluent. Among the water quality parameters, TP and K concentrations in the...
Show moreTo improve water quality as part of a large restoration effort, constructed herbaceous wetlands will be used as filters of high nutrient water. In this study, I tested whether mixed forested wetlands could also be used as nutrient filters. I examined water quality parameters within a forested slough isolated from direct anthropogenic disturbance and within an impounded forest wetland receiving direct agricultural effluent. Among the water quality parameters, TP and K concentrations in the forested slough were particular low. Although all nutrients, except TKN, were higher in the impounded wetland, nutrient concentrations within the wetland were lower at interior sites as compared to inflow water. Based on the use of chloride as a conservative tracer, this reduction resulted predominantly from biological and chemical processes, while physical processes played a minimal role. This study established that mixed forested wetlands can significantly reduce high nutrient levels in surface water.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12772
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades, Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades, Everglades (Fla )
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mechanisms that generate resource pulses and drive wading bird nesting in a fluctuating wetland.
Creator: Botson, Bryan A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Variation in the seasonal water level fluctuations of tropical and subtropical wetlands controls the production and concentration of aquatic fauna that support breeding wading birds. However, little is known about how particular components of the annual hydrologic cycle affect processes that control food availability and reproduction. This thesis identifies specific mechanisms responsible for transforming wet season prey standing stock into dry season prey concentrations, links landscape...
Show moreVariation in the seasonal water level fluctuations of tropical and subtropical wetlands controls the production and concentration of aquatic fauna that support breeding wading birds. However, little is known about how particular components of the annual hydrologic cycle affect processes that control food availability and reproduction. This thesis identifies specific mechanisms responsible for transforming wet season prey standing stock into dry season prey concentrations, links landscape hydrological patterns to wading bird nesting, and presents a predictive model of Wood Stork nesting. I examined the supoort for several a priori hypotheses of factors affecting wading bird prey concentrations and wading bird nest effort. Factors affecting the concentration and vulnerability of prey were important for transferring secondary production to higher trophic levels. Receding water levels, microtopographic variation, and high standing stocks of prey were critical for generating pulses of food availabiltiy to meet the high energy requirements of breeding predatory birds.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358281
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Restoration ecology, Wood stork, Habitat, Predation (Biology), Water birds, Habitat
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of Kissimmee River floodplain seed dispersal for vegetation community restoration.
Creator: Mezza, Garren., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: This research examined the influence of hydrochory (seed dispersal via water), anemochory (seed dispersal via wind), and zoochory (seed dispersal by animals) on the re-establishment of the important floodplain vegetation communities of the Kissimmee River floodplain. Fifty-eight seed species were identified from 19,849 and 43, 894 seeds trapped in hydrochory traps in sites north and south of Oak Creek, respectively. Seeds trapped by anemochory were measurable but were found to be far less...
Show moreThis research examined the influence of hydrochory (seed dispersal via water), anemochory (seed dispersal via wind), and zoochory (seed dispersal by animals) on the re-establishment of the important floodplain vegetation communities of the Kissimmee River floodplain. Fifty-eight seed species were identified from 19,849 and 43, 894 seeds trapped in hydrochory traps in sites north and south of Oak Creek, respectively. Seeds trapped by anemochory were measurable but were found to be far less important than hydrochory, while results showed no evidence of zoochory .... A number of interafting factors, e.g. hydrology, lack of remnants, seed phenology, etc. are limiting the dispersal of broadleaf marsh species north of Oak Creek, delaying range, expansion, and further community restoration.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358754
Subject Headings: Seeds, Dispersal, Floodplain ecology, Wetland restoration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Spatio-temporal modeling of seed dispersal and aquatic plant community restoration in the Kissimmee River floodplain.
Creator: Kennard, Stevee., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This study created an ecological spatial model, using a geographic information system, to visualize the influence of hydrochory on restoration of the three dominant wetland communities of broadleaf marsh, wetland shrub, and wet prairie across the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. Primary parameters incorporated into the model included floodplain hydrology, seed characteristics of buoyancy and dispersal rates, and species flood tolerance. S²rensen's similarity index, comparing spatial...
Show moreThis study created an ecological spatial model, using a geographic information system, to visualize the influence of hydrochory on restoration of the three dominant wetland communities of broadleaf marsh, wetland shrub, and wet prairie across the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. Primary parameters incorporated into the model included floodplain hydrology, seed characteristics of buoyancy and dispersal rates, and species flood tolerance. S²rensen's similarity index, comparing spatial agreement among model output and observed community data, resulted in values of BLM-BB = 0.10, BLM = 0.07, WS = 0.21, and WP = 0.36. The significant discrepancies between modeled and observed community spatial coverage indicated a need for incorporation of more stochastic variables of climatic disturbances, nutrient availability, and soil characteristics. More research on species flood tolerance across smaller spatial scales is also needed, and base data incorporated into the model should also be reliable and consistent if accuracy is to be achieved.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360797
Subject Headings: Seeds, Dispersal, Floodplain ecology, Wetland restoration, Restoration ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A habitat suitability model for wading birds in a large subtropical lake: linking hydrologic fluctuations and nesting.
Creator: Botta, Richard A., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Anthropogenic hydrologic alterations can affect the quality of lake littoral zone habitats for wading birds, such as the great egret (Ardea alba), snowy egret (Egretta thula), and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). One such lake in Florida, Lake Okeechobee, has experienced a marked decline in wading bird nesting since the 1970’s, concomitant with changes in lake level management. It’s hypothesized that a reduction in foraging habitat has led to the nesting decline; however, there is little...
Show moreAnthropogenic hydrologic alterations can affect the quality of lake littoral zone habitats for wading birds, such as the great egret (Ardea alba), snowy egret (Egretta thula), and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). One such lake in Florida, Lake Okeechobee, has experienced a marked decline in wading bird nesting since the 1970’s, concomitant with changes in lake level management. It’s hypothesized that a reduction in foraging habitat has led to the nesting decline; however, there is little quantitative evidence of this link. A habitat suitability model was developed for Lake Okeechobee wading birds that incorporate the spatial and temporal dynamics of environmental factors that affect wading bird foraging and tests whether foraging habitat is linked to numbers of nests.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004082
Subject Headings: Birds -- Florida -- Lake Okeechobee -- Geographical distribution, Estuarine ecology -- Florida -- Lake Okeechobee, Restoration ecology -- Florida -- Lake Okeechobee, Water birds -- Habitat
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Markers of Hypoxic Stress in Fishes of the Kissimmee River.
Creator: Dirk, Lynda J., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The channelized Kissimmee River experiences seasonally low dissolved oxygen levels which have changed the ecosystem to favor air-breathing species, while gamefish populations have declined greatly. In 2001 , the central portion of the river (Pool C) was physically restored. To evaluate the usefulness of various stress markers and assess the success of the partial restoration, the stress responses were analyzed (brain monoamines, heat shock proteins, and plasma cortisol) of air-breathing fish ...
Show moreThe channelized Kissimmee River experiences seasonally low dissolved oxygen levels which have changed the ecosystem to favor air-breathing species, while gamefish populations have declined greatly. In 2001 , the central portion of the river (Pool C) was physically restored. To evaluate the usefulness of various stress markers and assess the success of the partial restoration, the stress responses were analyzed (brain monoamines, heat shock proteins, and plasma cortisol) of air-breathing fish (bowfin, Florida gar), versus gamefish (largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish). Fish were collected from hypoxic and normoxic water at three sites in the Kissimmee River. Statistical analysis (MANOV A) showed overall significantly higher stress response in hypoxic gamefish than those in normoxia, with higher hsp72 levels, DOPAC, and Dopamine turnover (DOPAC:DA). Hsp60 and cortisol was significantly higher only in hypoxic bass while serotonin and 5-HIAA were significantly higher in hypoxic bluegill sunfish. Air-breathers did not show higher stress levels during hypoxia.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000747
Subject Headings: Kissimmee River (Fla )--Ecology, Restoration ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Adaptation (Biology), Fishes--Effect of stress on
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of the cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula and artificial shading on the seagrass Halodule wrightii.
Creator: Tiling, Kathryn A., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Extensive blooms of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula occurred during 2006 in Halodule wrightii seagrass beds. We examined the effects of L. majuscula blooms on seagrass by removal treatments and assessed if this was primarily an effect of shading by conducting artificial shade treatments. We tested the effects of L. majuscula removal and artificial shading on fifty individual 0.25 m2 experimental seagrass plots infested with L. majuscula in a fully crossed, two-way experiment....
Show moreExtensive blooms of the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula occurred during 2006 in Halodule wrightii seagrass beds. We examined the effects of L. majuscula blooms on seagrass by removal treatments and assessed if this was primarily an effect of shading by conducting artificial shade treatments. We tested the effects of L. majuscula removal and artificial shading on fifty individual 0.25 m2 experimental seagrass plots infested with L. majuscula in a fully crossed, two-way experiment. Measurements included blade elongation, biomass, and stem density. Blade lengths of H. wrightii were significantly increased by the presence of artificial shading and L. majuscula. L. majuscula removal resulted in increased below ground biomass in shaded plots, suggesting an increase in stores, when possible, for accelerated recovery following a shading event. Adverse L. majuscula effects occurred after declines in bloom biomass indicating that L. majuscula can have a prolonged negative effect on H. wrightii production.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11597
Subject Headings: Cyanobacteria, Biological control, Seagrasses, Physiology, Seagrasses, Effect of salt on, Restoration ecology, Halodule wrightii, Morphology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fishes of the Kissimmee River floodplain, prior to proposed restoration.
Creator: Overdorf, Tobin Rogers., Florida Atlantic University, Courtenay, Walter R. Jr.
Abstract/Description: The density and diversity of fishes of the Kissimmee River Floodplain have been affected by channelization of the Kissimmee River. Reduced hydrology, human encroachment, and overall loss of habitat appear to have reduced the level of fish diversity and density within the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. This landmark study collected vegetative habitat and fish population density and diversity data within the altered floodplain for baseline information prior to initiation of river...
Show moreThe density and diversity of fishes of the Kissimmee River Floodplain have been affected by channelization of the Kissimmee River. Reduced hydrology, human encroachment, and overall loss of habitat appear to have reduced the level of fish diversity and density within the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. This landmark study collected vegetative habitat and fish population density and diversity data within the altered floodplain for baseline information prior to initiation of river restoration activities in the form of dechannelization. Secondary studies included poecillid fecundity data as well as a localized rotenone study within the previously restored am of Pool B. Overall results of the study indicate that post restoration floodplain fish collection studies should reveal increased fish density and diversity within the expanded and restored floodplain habitat.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15736
Subject Headings: Fishes--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Restoration ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Modeling Study on The Effects of Seagrass Beds on the Hydrodynamics in the Indian River Lagoon.
Creator: Habib, MD Ahsan, Jiang, Mingshun, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Seagrass is a key stone component for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) ecosystem, and therefore it is an important topic for many studies in the lagoon. This study focuses on the effects of seagrass beds on the hydrodynamics in the IRL. A hydrodynamic model based on the Delft3D modeling system has been developed for the southern IRL including the St. Lucie estuary, Ft. Pierce and St. Lucie Inlets, and adjacent coastal waters. The model is driven by freshwater inputs from the watershed, tides,...
Show moreSeagrass is a key stone component for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) ecosystem, and therefore it is an important topic for many studies in the lagoon. This study focuses on the effects of seagrass beds on the hydrodynamics in the IRL. A hydrodynamic model based on the Delft3D modeling system has been developed for the southern IRL including the St. Lucie estuary, Ft. Pierce and St. Lucie Inlets, and adjacent coastal waters. The model is driven by freshwater inputs from the watershed, tides, meteorological forcing, and oceanic boundary forcing. The model has been systematically calibrated through a series of numerical experiments for key parameters, particularly the bottom roughness, and configuration including heat flux formulation and bottom bathymetry. The model skills were evaluated with quantitative metrics (point-to-point correlation, root-mean-square difference, and mean bias) to gauge the agreements between model and data for key variables including temperature, salinity, and currents. A three-year (2013-2015) simulation has been performed, and the results have been validated with available data including observations at HBOI Land-Ocean Biogeochemistry Observatory (LOBO) stations and in situ measurements from various sources. The validated model is then used to investigate the effects of 1) model vertical resolution (total number of model vertical layers), 2) spatial variability of surface winds, and 3) seagrass beds on the simulated hydrodynamics. The study focuses on the vicinity of Ft. Pierce Inlet, where significant seagrass coverage can be found. A series of numerical experiments were performed with a combination of different configurations. Overall, the experiment with 2-dimensional (2-D) winds, ten vertical layers and incorporating seagrass provided the most satisfactory outcomes. Overall, both vertical resolution and spatial variability of surface winds affect significantly the model results. In particular, increasing vertical resolution improves model prediction of temperature, salinity and currents. Similarly, the model with 2-D winds yields more realistic results than the model forced by 0-D winds. The seagrass beds have significant effects on the model results, particularly the tidal and sub-tidal currents. In general, model results show that both tidal and sub-tidal currents are much weaker due to increase bottom friction from seagrass. For tidal currents, the strongest impacts lie in the main channel (inter-coastal waterway) and western part of the lagoon, where strong tidal currents can be found. Inclusion of seagrass in the model also improves the simulation of sub-tidal currents. Seagrass beds also affect model temperature and salinity including strengthening vertical stratification. In general, seagrass effects vary over time, particularly tidal cycle with stronger effects seen in flood and ebb tides, and seasonal cycle with stronger effects in the summer than in winter.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004774, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004774
Subject Headings: Turtle grass--Environmental aspects., Seagrasses--Ecology., Grassed waterways., Wave resistance (Hydrodynamics), Wetland ecology., Estuarine ecology., Estuarine restoration., Coastal zone management.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examination of the Use of Floating Individuals of Halodule wrightii (Ascherson, 1868) for Restoration.
Creator: Berninger, Jacob J., Hanisak, M. Dennis, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The goal of this study was to develop an alternative approach to typical seagrass transplantation techniques that damage the donor bed. Floating individuals of Halodule wrightii were collected in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, during fall of 2013 and spring of 2014, with the fall collection planted in outdoor tanks. Only 25% of individuals collected in the fall survived the winter in the tanks. Individuals from both collections were deployed onto biodegradable mats in a capped dredge...
Show moreThe goal of this study was to develop an alternative approach to typical seagrass transplantation techniques that damage the donor bed. Floating individuals of Halodule wrightii were collected in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, during fall of 2013 and spring of 2014, with the fall collection planted in outdoor tanks. Only 25% of individuals collected in the fall survived the winter in the tanks. Individuals from both collections were deployed onto biodegradable mats in a capped dredge hole in the IRL in March, 2014. Approximately 66% of the mats survived the six-month experiment, and the area covered by seagrass quadrupled. Growth in shoot count, average height, horizontal spread, and biomass was similar for both fall and spring treatments. Thus, time and effort of overwintering had no benefit over spring harvesting. The use of floating individuals can provide a more practical, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transplanting for seagrass re storation.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004482, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004482
Subject Headings: Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) -- Environmental conditions, Restoration ecology -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrass restoration -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrasses -- Conservation -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Anurans of Abacoa.
Creator: Vuong, Wei Mien., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The construction of Abacoa included an attempt to conserve the wildlife in a Greenway, a set of habitats separated from the residential and commercial areas. All of the wetlandswith in Abacoa represent artificially constructed ponds, canals, and streams first created from 1998-2004. The present study focuses on the anuran (i.e., frog and toad) populations and looks at the number of different species that have naturally colonized six differnet sites around Abacoa. Each of these sites varies in...
Show moreThe construction of Abacoa included an attempt to conserve the wildlife in a Greenway, a set of habitats separated from the residential and commercial areas. All of the wetlandswith in Abacoa represent artificially constructed ponds, canals, and streams first created from 1998-2004. The present study focuses on the anuran (i.e., frog and toad) populations and looks at the number of different species that have naturally colonized six differnet sites around Abacoa. Each of these sites varies in qualities that may affect the probability of breeding in that section. The quality of water is known to be less ideal as the water flows away from the headwaters and mixes with water from other sources. This study aims to determine which anuran species are found at each of these sites after nearly a decade of colonization, and how both anuran diversity and abundance correlates with water and habitat quality.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359327
Subject Headings: Wildlife conservation, Amphibian populations, Restoration ecology, Anura, Habitat, Amphibians, Ecology, Amphibians, Conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Role Of Disturbance In The Genotypic And Morphological Diversity Of Halodule Wrightii.
Creator: Tiling, Kathryn A., Proffitt, C. Edward, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Seagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic...
Show moreSeagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic diversity has only been quantified in a few Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay populations and little is known about its potential ecological consequences. I quantified the genetic variation of H. wrightii using microsatellite markers in the southern IRL to determine: (i) how disturbance history influenced genetic diversity, (ii) if morphology of clones was, in part, genetically controlled and related to disturbance history, and (iii) if genotypes showed phenotypic plasticity in response to disturbances. In the IRL, H. wrightii populations exhibited moderate genetic diversity that varied with disturbance history. The disturbance history of a population was classified by the variance in the percent occurrence of H. wrightii over a 16-year period. Genotypic richness and clonal diversity of H. wrightii increased with increasing disturbance histories. Other genetic diversity measures (e.g., allelic richness, observed heterozygosity) did not change with disturbance history. These findings suggest that impacts to seagrass coverage over time can change the genotypic composition of populations. When different genotypes of H. wrightii were grown in a common garden, differences in leaf characteristics among genotypes provided evidence that morphological trait variation is, in part, explained by genetic variance. The disturbance history of genotypes did not directly affect morphological traits. However, significant genotype x site (within disturbance history) interactions found greater variation in shoot density and below ground traits of H. wrightii genotypes from sites of intermediate disturbance history. Traits of H. wrightii were shown to be phenotypically plastic. Significant genotype x environment interactions for shoot density and height demonstrated that genotypes responded differently by increasing, decreasing, and not changing sizes in response to light reduction. Genetic diversity of H. wrightii has strong implications for ecological function in coastal communities.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661
Subject Headings: Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) -- Enviornmental conditions, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (Fla.), Marine ecology -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Restoration ecology, Seagrasses -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrasses -- Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Passive acoustics as a monitoring tool for evaluating oyster reef restoration.
Creator: Zenil Becerra, Hilde P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Oyster reefs are biodiverse communities that provide many ecological and commercial benefits. However, oyster reefs have declined around the world from human activities. Oyster reef restoration programs have begun to limit some of the decline, but the need for determining the success of a program has been problematic. Passive acoustic techniques can use naturally occurring sounds produced by organisms to assess biodiversity. Passive acoustics was utilized to compare the sounds in natural and...
Show moreOyster reefs are biodiverse communities that provide many ecological and commercial benefits. However, oyster reefs have declined around the world from human activities. Oyster reef restoration programs have begun to limit some of the decline, but the need for determining the success of a program has been problematic. Passive acoustic techniques can use naturally occurring sounds produced by organisms to assess biodiversity. Passive acoustics was utilized to compare the sounds in natural and restored oyster reefs, with special attention on snapping shrimp (Alpheus spp.) snap sounds, in the St. Lucie Estuary, Florida over a one year period. Season, estuary region, habitat and day period had an effect on sound production. Passive acoustic monitoring of snapping shrimp sound production may be a useful non-destructive technique for monitoring the progress of oyster reef restoration projects once further correlations are established between environmental effects and sound production.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3352882
Subject Headings: American oyster, Ecosystem management, Restoration ecology, Aquatic ecology, Underwater acoustics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Forest wetland response to nutrient enrichment on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
Creator: Jacobs, Alyssa B., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The Big Cypress Swamp and the Everglades of South Florida are inherently oligotrophic ecosystems that in recent decades have been subjected to increasing agricultural nutrient inputs. While extensive research regarding deleterious effects of nutrient impacts has been conducted in the phosphorus-deficient Everglades, there is a lack of research in Big Cypress Swamp. This 12-month field study assessed the responsiveness of Taxodium distichum, Fraxinus caroliniana, and herbaceous vegetation to...
Show moreThe Big Cypress Swamp and the Everglades of South Florida are inherently oligotrophic ecosystems that in recent decades have been subjected to increasing agricultural nutrient inputs. While extensive research regarding deleterious effects of nutrient impacts has been conducted in the phosphorus-deficient Everglades, there is a lack of research in Big Cypress Swamp. This 12-month field study assessed the responsiveness of Taxodium distichum, Fraxinus caroliniana, and herbaceous vegetation to increased nutrient levels in Big Cypress Swamp. Six nutrient treatments (Control, N, P, K, 2K, and PxK) were applied to the soil surrounding these trees. F. caroliniana had higher photosynthetic rates with 2K treatments and higher growth rates with PxK treatments. T. distichum had higher Leaf Area Index in the P and PxK treatment but did not exhibit other responses to treatment. Herbaceous vegetation showed little response to treatments. This study concluded that potassium may be co-limiting in this ecosystem.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13129
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology--Florida, Restoration ecology--Florida, Everglades (Fla ), Big Cypress Swamp (Fla ), Seminole Tribe of Florida, Discrimination learning
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Plant colonization on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River, Florida.
Creator: Pinneo, Janet R., Florida Atlantic University, Gallagher, Jacqueline
Abstract/Description: This study focused on whether wetland vegetation could become re-established on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River if seasonal floodplain inundation were re-established. The wetland was re-created by back-filling a section of the Kissimmee Canal and diverting water flow into remnant river meanders. Seasonal flooding did occur during the study period. There were no other interventions to promote wetland plant growth. Ten vegetation quadrats were stratified between the back...
Show moreThis study focused on whether wetland vegetation could become re-established on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River if seasonal floodplain inundation were re-established. The wetland was re-created by back-filling a section of the Kissimmee Canal and diverting water flow into remnant river meanders. Seasonal flooding did occur during the study period. There were no other interventions to promote wetland plant growth. Ten vegetation quadrats were stratified between the back-filled canal and adjacent floodplain. These quadrats were monitored for 11 months. Of the 68 plant species recorded, 72% were obligate, facultative wetland or aquatic species. Diversity, richness, and percent cover of wetland plants increased with time. Coverage of broadleaf marsh habitat increased with increasing water depths. Vegetation at the end of the study period was similar to pre-channelized estimates. Restoration of hydrologic fluctuations appears sufficient to re-establish wetland habitat in this area of the Kissimmee River basin.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12844
Subject Headings: Plant colonization--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Floodplain ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Restoration ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Civic environmentalism: A model for Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida.
Creator: Jabour, Teresa U., Florida Atlantic University, Lenz, Timothy
Abstract/Description: The Everglades restoration is now the centerpiece for environmental policymaking in South Florida. The 1991 settlement of the Everglades lawsuit marked a new era of environmental politics known as civic environmentalism. Concepts of civic environmentalism are used in this study to determine if policies developed since the 1991 lawsuit settlement support a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida, a vital connection that ensures the socio-economic health of the built...
Show moreThe Everglades restoration is now the centerpiece for environmental policymaking in South Florida. The 1991 settlement of the Everglades lawsuit marked a new era of environmental politics known as civic environmentalism. Concepts of civic environmentalism are used in this study to determine if policies developed since the 1991 lawsuit settlement support a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida, a vital connection that ensures the socio-economic health of the built environment as well as the environmental health of South Florida's unique ecosystems. Indicators reveal that legislation supports a democratic process, but a nonformal model of civic environmentalism demonstrates that there are weaknesses in many areas, especially on the local level. Results of the study suggest that even though civic environmentalism prevails in some cases, stronger policies that connect both the built and natural environment will be necessary to ensure a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13014
Subject Headings: South Florida Water Management District (Fla), Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades, Sustainable development--Florida, Environmental policy--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (21)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (2)	+ -

Restoration ecology (8)	+ -
Restoration ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed (3)	+ -
Dispersal (2)	+ -
Everglades (Fla ) (2)	+ -
Floodplain ecology (2)	+ -

Habitat (2)	+ -
Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades (2)	+ -
Seeds (2)	+ -
Sustainable development--Florida (2)	+ -
Wetland restoration (2)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (1)	+ -
American oyster (1)	+ -
Amphibian populations (1)	+ -
Amphibians (1)	+ -
Anura (1)	+ -
Aquatic ecology (1)	+ -
Big Cypress Swamp (Fla ) (1)	+ -
Biological control (1)	+ -
Birds -- Florida -- Lake Okeechobee -- Geographical distribution (1)	+ -
Climate change (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management. (1)	+ -
Conservation (1)	+ -
Cyanobacteria (1)	+ -
Discrimination learning (1)	+ -
Ecology (1)	+ -
Ecosystem management (1)	+ -
Ecosystem management--Florida (1)	+ -
Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades. (1)	+ -
Effect of salt on (1)	+ -
Environmental policy--Florida (1)	+ -

Florida (4)	+ -
Kissimmee River Valley (Fla.) (2)	+ -
Kissimmee River Watershed (2)	+ -
Abacoa (1)	+ -
Restoration ecology (1)	+ -

Seminole Indians--Florida (1)	+ -
St. Lucie River Estuary (1)	+ -
St. Lucie River Estuary (Fla.) (1)	+ -

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