SAV are critical to the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. They provide oxygen, food, and shelter so that invertebrates, fish, crabs and waterfowl can survive. High nutrient levels stimulate algal blooms in the water, decrease water clarity, and block light needed for SAV growth.
The authors analyzed measurements of aquatic plant species abundance, nutrient effluent from the wastewater treatment plant, and water quality from 1990 to 2007. The surveys included a 50-mile reach of the tidal Potomac downstream from Washington.
Key Findings on the Potomac River's SAV:
Native SAV cover increased tenfold from 288 to 3081 acres.
The overall area covered by SAV in the Potomac more than doubled since 1990, increasing from 4207 to 8441 acres.
The diversity of SAV has increased. In 1990 the exotic hydrilla was 10 times more abundant than any other species. In 2007 the abundance of the 7 most frequently occurring species are more evenly matched.
In 1990, more than 80% of the total SAV was hydrilla; in 2007 hydrilla declined to 20%.
Results suggest declining fitness of exotic species relative to native species during restoration.
These results are consistent with a multi-agency study released in July, which correlated nutrient reductions with gains in the abundance of SAV in some Chesapeake Bay tributaries, while noting a negative correlation within the bay between SAV and nitrogen.
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| Contact: Diane Noserale dnoseral@usgs.gov 703-648-4333 United States Geological Survey Source:Eurekalert |