Abstract:

These spatial datasets describe the predicted biodiversity enhancement value (BEV) of seagrasses in the Florida Gulf Coast at the 1-hectare scale estimated from modeled scenarios for the contemporary period (mean annual summertime; 1997-2017) and two sea-level rise (SLR) forecasts (i.e., +50cm and +100cm above contemporary levels). Biodiversity enhancement value is quantified in terms the number of additional species supported by the presence of seagrass per sampling event according to model predictions. BEV is estimated within two depth bins (i.e., shallow waters and deep waters) using faunal species richness datasets collected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision. BEV estimates are also parsed into separate data layers representing confirmed seagrass beds and potential recovery areas. Confirmed beds include areas that have been previously surveyed and found to have seagrass beds by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) aerial surveys between 1985 and 2019. Potential recovery areas include areas where seagrass beds are absent from FWCC maps but could potentially survive if restored according to seagrass model predictions. For more information about the methods used to develop model predictions see McHenry et al. (2021). Paper Citation: McHenry, J., Rassweiler, A., Hernan, G., Uejio, C. K., Pau, S., Dubel, A. K., & Lester, S. E. (2021). Modelling the biodiversity enhancement value of seagrass beds. Diversity and Distributions, 00, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13379 Interactively view these datasets through our "Seagrass Biodiversity Enhancement Explorer" App deployed using RShiny (http://jennifermc henry.shiny apps.io/seagrass_bev). The modeled seagrass bed distributions are available in related GRIIDC dataset H3.x875.000:0002 (https://doi.org/10.7266/yg39rrhx).

Suggested Citation:

Jennifer McHenry, Andrew Rassweiler, and Sarah E. Lester. 2024. Biodiversity enhancement value of seagrass beds and potential recovery areas under contemporary environmental conditions (1997 - 2017) and two sea-level rise scenarios within the Florida Gulf Coast. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/9bm35qbf

Publications:

McHenry, J., Rassweiler, A., Hernan, G., Uejio, C. K., Pau, S., Dubel, A. K., & Lester, S. E. (2021). Modelling the biodiversity enhancement value of seagrass beds. Diversity and Distributions, 27(11), 2036–2049. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13379

Purpose:

Seagrass beds are declining globally and are increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise (SLR), which could have consequences for the rich biodiversity they support. Spatial variation in the role of seagrass beds in enhancing biodiversity is poorly resolved, limiting our ability to set priorities for conservation and restoration. We aimed to model the biodiversity enhancement value of seagrass beds focusing on the Florida Gulf Coast as a study systems.

Data Parameters and Units:

Biodiversity enhancement value is quantified in terms the number of additional marine fish and invertebrate species supported by the presence of seagrass per sampling event according to model predictions.

Methods:

We used generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) to describe the distribution, total cover and species composition of seagrass beds and to estimate their effects on spatial patterns of faunal species richness under three scenarios. Specifically, we: (a) quantified the biodiversity enhancement value of current seagrass beds, (b) inferred the biodiversity value of potential restoration areas and (c) projected potential changes in the distribution and biodiversity enhancement value of seagrass beds due to SLR using low (+0.50 m) and high (+1.0 m) SLR forecasts for 2100.

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