Abstract:

These spatial datasets describe the potential ecosystem service enhancement value 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). Ecosysem service enhancment value was assessed using a suite of spatial models of the relative biodiversity, nursery habitat, blue carbon storage, recreation, and coastal protection services provided by seagrasses. Biodiversity enhancement value was modeled in terms the number of additional species supported by the presence of seagrass per sampling event. Nursery habitat enhancment value was modeled in terms of the additional probability of encountering juvenile fish and invertebrate species resulting from the presence of seagrass beds. Blue carbon storage enhancement was modeled in terms of the additional sedimentary organic carbon resulting from the presence of seagrass beds. Recreation enhancment value was modeled in terms of the additional coastal visitation resulting from the presence of seagrass beds. Finally, coastal protection enhancment was assessed in terms of the qualitative need for additioanl wave attenuation and erosion reduction by seagrass beds. Model predictions were applied to the extent of confirmed seagrass beds, including all 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. For more information about the methods used to develop ecosytem service models see McHenry et al. (in review). Paper Citation: McHenry, J., Rassweiler, A. & Lester, S. E. (in review).Seagrass ecosystem services show complex spatial patterns and associations. Ecosystem Services.