Oceanography and Marine Biology - An Annual Review, 2011
Sediment profile imaging (SPI) technology has been used in some form since 1969 to investigate th... more Sediment profile imaging (SPI) technology has been used in some form since 1969 to investigate the structure and appearance of near-surface aquatic sediments. The recognition of patterns in images and their relationship to seafloor processes mediated by biological, physical and chemical interactions was pioneered by academic scientists interested in sedimentary structures and evidence of biological communities in the geological record. The application of SPI technology to environmental assessment coincided with the development and testing of a robust theory of marine benthic community responses to disturbance in fine sedimentary habitats. The patterns visible in the images of seafloor sediments were related to processes associated with the recolonization of disturbed fine sediments through manipulation experiments and field observations. Association of these patterns with stages in the recovery of disturbed habitats provided the basis for SPI as a tool for environmental assessment and monitoring surveys. After almost 40 years of application of SPI technology to environmental assessment and monitoring, we are in a position to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of this technology. This review describes the history of instrument development and image interpretation, discusses the technical limitations and advantages of the method, summarizes the range of applications of SPI technology, and considers possible future directions for the technology, supporting theory, and application.
A monitoring survey was conducted in July 2005 at the Rhode Island Sound Disposal Site (RISDS) as... more A monitoring survey was conducted in July 2005 at the Rhode Island Sound Disposal Site (RISDS) as part of the Disposal Area Monitoring System (DAMOS) program. The survey included the collection of sediment-profile and plan-view images, and benthic biology grabs. Each of these techniques provides a different, yet complementary perspective on benthic community conditions. These complementary techniques aided in the assessment of the benthic recovery process within RISDS following the placement of dredged material from the Providence River and Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project (PRHMDP). Based on observed patterns of physical, chemical, and biological responses of seafloor environments to dredged material disposal activity it was expected that the benthic community within RISDS would be in an intermediate phase of recolonization (Stage II). Results of the 2005 RISDS survey indicated that in the six months since disposal activities at RISDS had concluded, the biological community at RISDS was recovering relatively rapidly and Stages II and III infauna were present throughout the region.
Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundance... more Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundances are controlled by processes operating at many spatial and temporal scales, from local 30 habitat characteristics to long-distance transport of larvae. Ecological processes in LIS have 31 been affected by natural and anthropogenic factors, including interannual variations in weather, 32 commercial and recreational harvesting, eutrophication, nutrient-driven hypoxia, habitat 33 degradation, and colonization by non-native species. Many of the most compelling management 34 issues in LIS focus on how organisms respond to such stresses. In order to address these 35 chapter 6 text 052212.docx 2 complex problems, we must first understand the factors controlling biological processes and how 36 organisms interact ecologically. This chapter provides an overview of the major groups of 37 organisms occupying the dominant habitats of LIS. 38 This chapter begins by describing the biota inhabiting the intertidal and shallow subtidal 39 regions of LIS, including tidal marshes and submerged aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses, 40 seaweeds, and benthic fauna. Next the subtidal and more open water reaches of LIS are 41 discussed; separate sections on plankton, benthos, nekton, and other wildlife (birds, reptiles, and 42 mammals) are included. We end this chapter by focusing on several ecological challenges to the 43 biota of LIS, including hypoxia, introduction of non-native species, and climate change. 44 45 6.2 Littoral Zone: Habitats and Benthic 46 Ecology 47 48 6.2.1 Intertidal Zone 49 50
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2006
Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological v... more Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological view, by relating benthic community patterns to environmental factors across several spatial scales. Although many general ecological patterns have been established, often a significant amount of the spatial and temporal variation in soft-sediment communities within and among systems remains unexplained. Here we propose a framework that may aid in unraveling the complex influence of environmental factors associated with the different components of coastal systems (i.e. the terrestrial and benthic landscapes, and the hydrological seascape) on benthic communities, and use this information to assess the role played by benthos in coastal ecosystems. A primary component of the approach is the recognition of system modules (e.g. marshes, dendritic systems, tidal rivers, enclosed basins, open bays, lagoons). The modules may differentially interact with key forcing functions (e.g. temperature, salinity, currents) that influence system processes and in turn benthic responses and functions. Modules may also constrain benthic characteristics and related processes within certain ecological boundaries and help explain their overall spatio-temporal variation. We present an example of how benthic community characteristics are related to the modular structure of 14 coastal seas and estuaries, and show that benthic functional group composition is significantly related to the modular structure of these systems. We also propose a framework for exploring the role of benthic communities in coastal systems using this modular approach and offer predictions of how benthic communities may vary depending on the modular composition and characteristics of a coastal system.
Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundance... more Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundances are controlled by processes operating at many spatial and temporal scales, from local 30 habitat characteristics to long-distance transport of larvae. Ecological processes in LIS have 31 been affected by natural and anthropogenic factors, including interannual variations in weather, 32 commercial and recreational harvesting, eutrophication, nutrient-driven hypoxia, habitat 33 degradation, and colonization by non-native species. Many of the most compelling management 34 issues in LIS focus on how organisms respond to such stresses. In order to address these 35 chapter 6 text 052212.docx 2 complex problems, we must first understand the factors controlling biological processes and how 36 organisms interact ecologically. This chapter provides an overview of the major groups of 37 organisms occupying the dominant habitats of LIS. 38 This chapter begins by describing the biota inhabiting the intertidal and shallow subtidal 39 regions of LIS, including tidal marshes and submerged aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses, 40 seaweeds, and benthic fauna. Next the subtidal and more open water reaches of LIS are 41 discussed; separate sections on plankton, benthos, nekton, and other wildlife (birds, reptiles, and 42 mammals) are included. We end this chapter by focusing on several ecological challenges to the 43 biota of LIS, including hypoxia, introduction of non-native species, and climate change. 44 45 6.2 Littoral Zone: Habitats and Benthic 46 Ecology 47 48 6.2.1 Intertidal Zone 49 50
We measured carbon, nitrogen, protein, bacterial and microalgal abundance, and minerals p e c~f~c... more We measured carbon, nitrogen, protein, bacterial and microalgal abundance, and minerals p e c~f~c surface area m sediments from the feeding zone of undisturbed Saccoglossus korualewskyi, as well as In their fresh egesta. Comparison of results using surficial material (> 1 mm) and the top 3 mm of sediments indicated ingestion of surficial material by the enteropneusts. Assuming the surficial s e hment as a food source results in apparent absorption efficiencies of 15 % for TOC, 35 % for TON, 60 % for protein and 86% for microalgae. The C:N ratio of the apparently absorbed material was 4.2, consistent with an amino acid-rich diet. Protein-nitrogen uptake, however, accounted for only about 28% of total nitrogen absorption, indicating a dominant use of non-protein nitrogen. Bacter~al and microalgal contributions to dietary nitrogen uptake were no more than 3 % and 4 "/o respectively Active worms maintain 2 foraglng areas with an average total foraging volume of 0.9 cm3 and a volume ingestion rate of 0.06 to 0.12 cm3 ind.-' h-' If the preferred feeding zone of these enteropneusts is the nitrogen-enriched surficial layer, we estimate that their feeding activities will deplete the available food resources every 8 to 16 h and they may rely on biological and tidal redistribution of surface material.
Within Massachusetts Bay, a number of areas have been used as disposal sites for permitted and po... more Within Massachusetts Bay, a number of areas have been used as disposal sites for permitted and possibly non-permitted dumping of radioactive and hazardous wastes. The human and environmental risks associated with these disposal practices are directly related to the location, contents and condition of discrete waste containers. The resource management problem is being addressed with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques that allow the integration of a variety of data from several sources into a single, integrated relational database/GIS. The relational database will then be used as a tool for the comprehensive evaluation of source characterization and extent of contamination during public health and ecological risk assessments.
The oceans have frequently been used for disposal for a variety of industrial, chemical, and low-... more The oceans have frequently been used for disposal for a variety of industrial, chemical, and low-level radioactive wastes. In Massachusetts Bay, several areas have been used for the permitted and possible non-permitted disposal of waste containers with environmentally sensitive ...
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2006
Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological v... more Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological view, by relating benthic community patterns to environmental factors across several spatial scales. Although many general ecological patterns have been established, often a significant amount of the spatial and temporal variation in soft-sediment communities within and among systems remains unexplained. Here we propose a framework that may aid in unraveling the complex influence of environmental factors associated with the different components of coastal systems (i.e. the terrestrial and benthic landscapes, and the hydrological seascape) on benthic communities, and use this information to assess the role played by benthos in coastal ecosystems. A primary component of the approach is the recognition of system modules (e.g. marshes, dendritic systems, tidal rivers, enclosed basins, open bays, lagoons). The modules may differentially interact with key forcing functions (e.g. temperature, salinity, currents) that influence system processes and in turn benthic responses and functions. Modules may also constrain benthic characteristics and related processes within certain ecological boundaries and help explain their overall spatio-temporal variation. We present an example of how benthic community characteristics are related to the modular structure of 14 coastal seas and estuaries, and show that benthic functional group composition is significantly related to the modular structure of these systems. We also propose a framework for exploring the role of benthic communities in coastal systems using this modular approach and offer predictions of how benthic communities may vary depending on the modular composition and characteristics of a coastal system.
The tube-building polychaete Lanice conchilega forms intertidal mounds in association with macroa... more The tube-building polychaete Lanice conchilega forms intertidal mounds in association with macroalgae. This assemblage produces structures that can record tidal and seasonal cycles in the stratigraphic record. They mark low-tide levels because the assemblage occurs below neap low tide and many of the structures form when water drains off the assemblage.Mounds are created by disturbance of the sediment surface around aggregations of the assemblage and accumulation of sediments within the aggregations. The initial aggregations may be relict patches of adult worms, new clumps of juveniles or both. Juvenile worms and drift algae easily settle and survive in high-density patches, whereas predators and waves more readily disturb low-density patches. Algae and tubes extend through accumulated sediment and create a new, higher surface. Through this interactive process the high-density patches increase height rapidly while the low-density patches erode. Regardless of density, when the initial distribution is regular the surface remains flat, rising evenly or eroding evenly. Accumulation and erosion increases during spring tides and decreases during neap tides.Mound development also follows a seasonal pattern. The recruitment of juvenile worms in spring facilitates algal settlement and initiates mound buildup. The rate of tube-building and algal growth increases in early summer as the erosive forces of storms decline. This leads to the greatest development of mounds in late summer just before the macroalgae begin to die. The loss of algae coincides with autumnal storms, and causes catastrophic erosion of the mounds into relict patches of dormant tube-worms. Patches of tubes that survive the winter enhance spring recruitment and renewal of mound development.The shape of the mounds is often obscured during burial and preservation. Because of this, it may be difficult to distinguish the original form of ancient mounds without contemporaneous cementing organisms. But cycles of deposition and erosion are recorded in Lanice tubes and other biogenic structures. These structures can be used in conjunction with physical structures to define tidal height, seasonality or current regime. In general however, the presence of tube aggregations per se is not diagnostic of a specific hydraulic environment.
Oceanography and Marine Biology - An Annual Review, 2011
Sediment profile imaging (SPI) technology has been used in some form since 1969 to investigate th... more Sediment profile imaging (SPI) technology has been used in some form since 1969 to investigate the structure and appearance of near-surface aquatic sediments. The recognition of patterns in images and their relationship to seafloor processes mediated by biological, physical and chemical interactions was pioneered by academic scientists interested in sedimentary structures and evidence of biological communities in the geological record. The application of SPI technology to environmental assessment coincided with the development and testing of a robust theory of marine benthic community responses to disturbance in fine sedimentary habitats. The patterns visible in the images of seafloor sediments were related to processes associated with the recolonization of disturbed fine sediments through manipulation experiments and field observations. Association of these patterns with stages in the recovery of disturbed habitats provided the basis for SPI as a tool for environmental assessment and monitoring surveys. After almost 40 years of application of SPI technology to environmental assessment and monitoring, we are in a position to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of this technology. This review describes the history of instrument development and image interpretation, discusses the technical limitations and advantages of the method, summarizes the range of applications of SPI technology, and considers possible future directions for the technology, supporting theory, and application.
A monitoring survey was conducted in July 2005 at the Rhode Island Sound Disposal Site (RISDS) as... more A monitoring survey was conducted in July 2005 at the Rhode Island Sound Disposal Site (RISDS) as part of the Disposal Area Monitoring System (DAMOS) program. The survey included the collection of sediment-profile and plan-view images, and benthic biology grabs. Each of these techniques provides a different, yet complementary perspective on benthic community conditions. These complementary techniques aided in the assessment of the benthic recovery process within RISDS following the placement of dredged material from the Providence River and Harbor Maintenance Dredging Project (PRHMDP). Based on observed patterns of physical, chemical, and biological responses of seafloor environments to dredged material disposal activity it was expected that the benthic community within RISDS would be in an intermediate phase of recolonization (Stage II). Results of the 2005 RISDS survey indicated that in the six months since disposal activities at RISDS had concluded, the biological community at RISDS was recovering relatively rapidly and Stages II and III infauna were present throughout the region.
Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundance... more Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundances are controlled by processes operating at many spatial and temporal scales, from local 30 habitat characteristics to long-distance transport of larvae. Ecological processes in LIS have 31 been affected by natural and anthropogenic factors, including interannual variations in weather, 32 commercial and recreational harvesting, eutrophication, nutrient-driven hypoxia, habitat 33 degradation, and colonization by non-native species. Many of the most compelling management 34 issues in LIS focus on how organisms respond to such stresses. In order to address these 35 chapter 6 text 052212.docx 2 complex problems, we must first understand the factors controlling biological processes and how 36 organisms interact ecologically. This chapter provides an overview of the major groups of 37 organisms occupying the dominant habitats of LIS. 38 This chapter begins by describing the biota inhabiting the intertidal and shallow subtidal 39 regions of LIS, including tidal marshes and submerged aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses, 40 seaweeds, and benthic fauna. Next the subtidal and more open water reaches of LIS are 41 discussed; separate sections on plankton, benthos, nekton, and other wildlife (birds, reptiles, and 42 mammals) are included. We end this chapter by focusing on several ecological challenges to the 43 biota of LIS, including hypoxia, introduction of non-native species, and climate change. 44 45 6.2 Littoral Zone: Habitats and Benthic 46 Ecology 47 48 6.2.1 Intertidal Zone 49 50
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2006
Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological v... more Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological view, by relating benthic community patterns to environmental factors across several spatial scales. Although many general ecological patterns have been established, often a significant amount of the spatial and temporal variation in soft-sediment communities within and among systems remains unexplained. Here we propose a framework that may aid in unraveling the complex influence of environmental factors associated with the different components of coastal systems (i.e. the terrestrial and benthic landscapes, and the hydrological seascape) on benthic communities, and use this information to assess the role played by benthos in coastal ecosystems. A primary component of the approach is the recognition of system modules (e.g. marshes, dendritic systems, tidal rivers, enclosed basins, open bays, lagoons). The modules may differentially interact with key forcing functions (e.g. temperature, salinity, currents) that influence system processes and in turn benthic responses and functions. Modules may also constrain benthic characteristics and related processes within certain ecological boundaries and help explain their overall spatio-temporal variation. We present an example of how benthic community characteristics are related to the modular structure of 14 coastal seas and estuaries, and show that benthic functional group composition is significantly related to the modular structure of these systems. We also propose a framework for exploring the role of benthic communities in coastal systems using this modular approach and offer predictions of how benthic communities may vary depending on the modular composition and characteristics of a coastal system.
Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundance... more Long Island Sound (LIS) supports a wide variety of organisms whose distributions and 29 abundances are controlled by processes operating at many spatial and temporal scales, from local 30 habitat characteristics to long-distance transport of larvae. Ecological processes in LIS have 31 been affected by natural and anthropogenic factors, including interannual variations in weather, 32 commercial and recreational harvesting, eutrophication, nutrient-driven hypoxia, habitat 33 degradation, and colonization by non-native species. Many of the most compelling management 34 issues in LIS focus on how organisms respond to such stresses. In order to address these 35 chapter 6 text 052212.docx 2 complex problems, we must first understand the factors controlling biological processes and how 36 organisms interact ecologically. This chapter provides an overview of the major groups of 37 organisms occupying the dominant habitats of LIS. 38 This chapter begins by describing the biota inhabiting the intertidal and shallow subtidal 39 regions of LIS, including tidal marshes and submerged aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses, 40 seaweeds, and benthic fauna. Next the subtidal and more open water reaches of LIS are 41 discussed; separate sections on plankton, benthos, nekton, and other wildlife (birds, reptiles, and 42 mammals) are included. We end this chapter by focusing on several ecological challenges to the 43 biota of LIS, including hypoxia, introduction of non-native species, and climate change. 44 45 6.2 Littoral Zone: Habitats and Benthic 46 Ecology 47 48 6.2.1 Intertidal Zone 49 50
We measured carbon, nitrogen, protein, bacterial and microalgal abundance, and minerals p e c~f~c... more We measured carbon, nitrogen, protein, bacterial and microalgal abundance, and minerals p e c~f~c surface area m sediments from the feeding zone of undisturbed Saccoglossus korualewskyi, as well as In their fresh egesta. Comparison of results using surficial material (> 1 mm) and the top 3 mm of sediments indicated ingestion of surficial material by the enteropneusts. Assuming the surficial s e hment as a food source results in apparent absorption efficiencies of 15 % for TOC, 35 % for TON, 60 % for protein and 86% for microalgae. The C:N ratio of the apparently absorbed material was 4.2, consistent with an amino acid-rich diet. Protein-nitrogen uptake, however, accounted for only about 28% of total nitrogen absorption, indicating a dominant use of non-protein nitrogen. Bacter~al and microalgal contributions to dietary nitrogen uptake were no more than 3 % and 4 "/o respectively Active worms maintain 2 foraglng areas with an average total foraging volume of 0.9 cm3 and a volume ingestion rate of 0.06 to 0.12 cm3 ind.-' h-' If the preferred feeding zone of these enteropneusts is the nitrogen-enriched surficial layer, we estimate that their feeding activities will deplete the available food resources every 8 to 16 h and they may rely on biological and tidal redistribution of surface material.
Within Massachusetts Bay, a number of areas have been used as disposal sites for permitted and po... more Within Massachusetts Bay, a number of areas have been used as disposal sites for permitted and possibly non-permitted dumping of radioactive and hazardous wastes. The human and environmental risks associated with these disposal practices are directly related to the location, contents and condition of discrete waste containers. The resource management problem is being addressed with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques that allow the integration of a variety of data from several sources into a single, integrated relational database/GIS. The relational database will then be used as a tool for the comprehensive evaluation of source characterization and extent of contamination during public health and ecological risk assessments.
The oceans have frequently been used for disposal for a variety of industrial, chemical, and low-... more The oceans have frequently been used for disposal for a variety of industrial, chemical, and low-level radioactive wastes. In Massachusetts Bay, several areas have been used for the permitted and possible non-permitted disposal of waste containers with environmentally sensitive ...
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2006
Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological v... more Ecologists studying coastal and estuarine benthic communities have long taken a macroecological view, by relating benthic community patterns to environmental factors across several spatial scales. Although many general ecological patterns have been established, often a significant amount of the spatial and temporal variation in soft-sediment communities within and among systems remains unexplained. Here we propose a framework that may aid in unraveling the complex influence of environmental factors associated with the different components of coastal systems (i.e. the terrestrial and benthic landscapes, and the hydrological seascape) on benthic communities, and use this information to assess the role played by benthos in coastal ecosystems. A primary component of the approach is the recognition of system modules (e.g. marshes, dendritic systems, tidal rivers, enclosed basins, open bays, lagoons). The modules may differentially interact with key forcing functions (e.g. temperature, salinity, currents) that influence system processes and in turn benthic responses and functions. Modules may also constrain benthic characteristics and related processes within certain ecological boundaries and help explain their overall spatio-temporal variation. We present an example of how benthic community characteristics are related to the modular structure of 14 coastal seas and estuaries, and show that benthic functional group composition is significantly related to the modular structure of these systems. We also propose a framework for exploring the role of benthic communities in coastal systems using this modular approach and offer predictions of how benthic communities may vary depending on the modular composition and characteristics of a coastal system.
The tube-building polychaete Lanice conchilega forms intertidal mounds in association with macroa... more The tube-building polychaete Lanice conchilega forms intertidal mounds in association with macroalgae. This assemblage produces structures that can record tidal and seasonal cycles in the stratigraphic record. They mark low-tide levels because the assemblage occurs below neap low tide and many of the structures form when water drains off the assemblage.Mounds are created by disturbance of the sediment surface around aggregations of the assemblage and accumulation of sediments within the aggregations. The initial aggregations may be relict patches of adult worms, new clumps of juveniles or both. Juvenile worms and drift algae easily settle and survive in high-density patches, whereas predators and waves more readily disturb low-density patches. Algae and tubes extend through accumulated sediment and create a new, higher surface. Through this interactive process the high-density patches increase height rapidly while the low-density patches erode. Regardless of density, when the initial distribution is regular the surface remains flat, rising evenly or eroding evenly. Accumulation and erosion increases during spring tides and decreases during neap tides.Mound development also follows a seasonal pattern. The recruitment of juvenile worms in spring facilitates algal settlement and initiates mound buildup. The rate of tube-building and algal growth increases in early summer as the erosive forces of storms decline. This leads to the greatest development of mounds in late summer just before the macroalgae begin to die. The loss of algae coincides with autumnal storms, and causes catastrophic erosion of the mounds into relict patches of dormant tube-worms. Patches of tubes that survive the winter enhance spring recruitment and renewal of mound development.The shape of the mounds is often obscured during burial and preservation. Because of this, it may be difficult to distinguish the original form of ancient mounds without contemporaneous cementing organisms. But cycles of deposition and erosion are recorded in Lanice tubes and other biogenic structures. These structures can be used in conjunction with physical structures to define tidal height, seasonality or current regime. In general however, the presence of tube aggregations per se is not diagnostic of a specific hydraulic environment.
Uploads
Papers by Drew Carey