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The Effects of the Wood-boring Isopod Sphaeroma terebrans on the Mangrove Communities of Florida

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 August 2009

Andrew E. Rehm
Andrew E. Rehm
Affiliation:
Marine Biologist, William F. Clapp Laboratories, Inc., of Battelle's Columbus Laboratory, Washington Street, Duxbury, Massachusetts 02332, U.S.A.
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Extract

Investigations conducted along the west coast of Florida from Tampa to Cape Sable have shown that mangroves are confined to the upper portion of the intertidal zone by the wood-boring isopod, Sphaeroma terebrans Bate. As a result of this activity, mangroves are unable to become established throughout the intertidal zone and to extend shorelines in their usual manner.

The attack on mangroves is most severe from Marco to Cape Sable, and is probably the single most important factor responsible for the erosion that is currently occurring along this section of coastline. Throughout its length, tides, temperature, and salinity, appear to influence the severity of the attack on mangroves by S. terebrans.

Mangrove-dominated estuaries from Tampa to Cape Sable serve as nursery areas and feeding grounds for several commercially important marine fishes and Crustacea. The continual loss of mangroves as a result of S. terebrans activity, erosion, and human interference, may well decrease the extent to which these vital estuaries can be used as nurseries by commercially important species.

Type
Main Papers
Information
Environmental Conservation , Volume 3 , Issue 1 , Spring 1976 , pp. 47 - 57
Copyright
Copyright © Foundation for Environmental Conservation 1976

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