Bioindicators are used to detect environmental changes and provide quantifiable metrics of the health of ecosystems. Recent work with scyphozoans of the genus Cassiopea has revealed their potential as bioindicators in tropical coastal ecosystems, responding to disturbance of sediments and to pollutants. The ecosystems of Jobos Bay NERR (JBNERR), Puerto Rico are under constant threat of degradation by anthropogenic activity, sea-level rise and associated hydrological changes. Because migration of these ecosystems is limited by coastal development, implementing effective management-action plans are essential. The focus of this project is to assess the potential of Cassiopea as bioindicators of nutrient pollution and other anthropogenic disturbances in coastal ecosystems. Research goals include to: (1) assess distributions of Cassiopea in the shallow subtidal zone adjacent to JBENRR; (2) determine the physico-chemical conditions that influence their blooms across the reserve; and (3) develop and implement a long-term monitoring strategy for Cassiopea populations in coastal waters of Puerto Rico. Nine sites have been established in areas of Jobos Bay, three each as high, mild, and low human impact. Each site includes five transects within a 10 x 25 m plot. Videographic surveys are performed two ways: (1) a total recording of each transects and (2) recording 0.25 m2 quadrats every 2 m along the 10 m transect for percentage coverage. Random quadrat tosses are also performed within the plot and other monitoring sites to compare methods and determine which provides a better estimate of the population structure. Preliminary data show that Cassiopea populations respond to extreme climatic events such as the passing of Hurricane Fiona when populations migrated from near creek outlets to 3.2 km offshore. This project will further characterize these readily observed organisms as low-cost bioindicators to provide rapid environmental assessment to inform mitigation and restoration practices. We aim to promote communication and collaboration among local agencies, institutions, and organizations with the long-term goal of establishing the first jellyfish biomonitoring program in Puerto Rico and perhaps the Caribbean.
Primary Presenter: Natalia Lopez-Figueroa, University of South Florida (natalia28@usf.edu)
Authors:
Pamela Hallock, University of South Florida College of Marine Science (pmuller@usf.edu)
Elizabeth Stoner, Bentley University (estoner@bentley.edu)
Milton Muñoz-Hincapié, Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) (milton.jbnerr@gmail.com)
Assessment of upside-down jellyfish populations (Genus Cassiopea) as potential bioindicators of human development in coastal ecosystems in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Category
Scientific Sessions > SS056 Jellyfish in the Changing Ocean
Description
Time: 06:30 PM
Date: 7/6/2023
Room: Mezzanine