Science Serving Maryland's Coasts

R/P-48

Seagrass-eutrophication interactions: Role of spatial pattern

Principal Investigator:

W. Michael Kemp

Start/End Year:

2000 to 2003

Institution:

Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Co-Principal investigator:

Laura Murray, Horn Point Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Topic(s):

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Description:

The overall objective of this proposal is to establish quantitative and mechanistic understanding of how variations in spatial distribution (abundance, patchiness) of seagrasses influence the plant susceptibility to eutrophication stresses. This basic scientific information will be translated into simulation formats suitable: 1) for transfer to water quality models for nutrient management; 2) for improving transplantation success; and 3) for educating K-12 students.

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