The disappearance of Morro Bay seagrass leads to changes in fish populations

Seagrass meadows used to be common in the Morro Bay Estuary, but they have almost disappeared in the past decade

"Seagrass is important, just like the large leaf algae in Morro Bay, because it supports a range of marine life," said Jennifer O'leary, a California marine grant extension expert who led the research.

The submarine seagrass meadow is one of the main habitats of coastal estuaries and one of the most biologically productive biomes on the planet

Morro Bay is one of the 28 estuaries designated by the U.

Seagrass meadows are a multifaceted habitat that uses their root systems to protect sediments and provide food, shelter and nurseries for many types of fish and invertebrates

In contrast, the researchers observed an increase in the number of flounders such as the spotted sand turtle (Citharichthys stigmaeus) and staghorn fish (Leptocottus armatus)

The disappearance of the Zostera habitat on the California coast has created even greater problems for species that rely on seaweed, such as bay pipers

"The relatively sudden and near-complete extinction of Zostera in Morro Bay not only changed the number of fish, but also caused major changes in estuary physics and geomorphology,

Walter, O'Leary, and other researchers at the California Institute of Technology, in collaboration with the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, continue to study the causes and consequences of the decline in the number of leaf algae

This new study further reveals changes in Morro Bay, which may provide information for scientists on how to understand seagrass communities throughout California

According to the researchers, a multifaceted approach to protect and enhance the remaining seaweed will be crucial

Journal Reference :

1. Jennifer K.