Abstract
Experiments were conducted from April through July of hics. l 998 to assess the cultivation of Halodule beaudettei (den Hartog) den Hartog (shoal-grass) in experimental nursery ponds. The effects of pond flow-regime, water turbidity, culture media, and fertilizer on survival and growth of shoal-grass transplant units (TPUS) cultured in six-inch diameter plastic pots were examined. Additionally, the suitability of a natural bayou near Snake Island Cove in West Bay was evaluated as a nursery site using TPUS cultured in six-inch diameter plastic pots and anchored in the bay bottom using staples. No difference in the response of shoal-grass to flow-regime or pond turbidity was detected after 43 d, but turbidity had affected growth after 88 d. Smothering by macroalgae may have affected some TPUS. TPUS cultured in reduced marine-sediments responded favorably, with a more than nine-fold increase in the mean number of stems over 90 d. TPUS cultured in dry-sand and shell-fragments responded poorly after 90 d, producing a less than two-fold increase in mean number of stems. ('Pus in pots placed in the natural bayou near Snake Island Cove in West Bay survived poorly, and transplants stapled in the bioturbation. Control pots of shoal-grass placed in a nursery pond responded favorably producing a E3-fold increase in mean number of stems after 90 d. Additionally, a control of stapled transplants placed in a nursery pond experienced 67% survival and had spread after 90 d. Liquid nitrogen fertilizer applied to potted TPUS at a rate of 270 and 28 kg N ha produced no favorable response after 45 and 41 d, respectively. Nursery pond cultivation of shoal-grass appears feasible. Use of a sandy, reduced sediment media, maintenance of low turbidity, prevention of bioturbation, prevention of excess algal growth, and adequate water exchange appear to be important factors in growth and survival of shoal-grass transplants in nursery ponds.
Rosen, David J. (1998). Experimental nursery pond cultivation of the seagrass Halodule beaudettei. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1998 -THESIS -R66.