You are here:
Eelgrass indicator deployment system (EIDS): A low tech tool for short-term evaluation of eelgrass response to water quality
Citation:
KALDY, III, J. E. Eelgrass indicator deployment system (EIDS): A low tech tool for short-term evaluation of eelgrass response to water quality. Presented at 2009 Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Conference, Seattle, WA, February 08 - 11, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
Eelgrass is often considered a sentinel species that can be used as an indicator of water clarity and quality.
Description:
Eelgrass is often considered a sentinel species that can be used as an indicator of water clarity and quality. I used the Eelgrass Indicator Deployment System (EIDS) in a series of short term experiments to evaluate eelgrass growth and survival at a decline and a control site in Hood Canal, WA. EIDS are plastic frames with attached mesh that eelgrass plants are attached to and out-planted in specific areas. Plants are grown hydroponically to eliminate confounding effects caused by plant-sediment interactions. Environmental parameters monitored included temperature, salinity, light, nutrients, and dissolved O2. Eelgrass response variables included biomass, leaf growth, stable isotopes, carbohydrate content and photosynthetic parameters. Data will be analyzed to evaluate changes in response variables relative to measured environmental data. The goal of this effort was to develop a data set that could be used to validate an Eelgrass Stress Response Model for regional application.