Keywords

Indian River Lagoon; estuary; benthic invertebrate; biodiversity; bivalve

Abstract

This study investigates the understudied abundance and habitat associations of bivalves in Mosquito Lagoon. Seagrass habitats were found to support the highest diversity of mollusks in earlier surveys (Mikkelsen et al., 1995). Twelve sites, including seagrass-vegetated, unvegetated, and seagrass-restored areas, were sampled in March and May 2024. Habitat characteristics, such as sediment composition and seagrass cover, were analyzed alongside bivalve populations. Across all sites, 6 genera were identified among 44 individuals. Overall abundance and diversity of bivalves collected were low in all sites, and most individuals were juveniles. Sediment characteristics influenced differences in diversity across site types, with restored sites composing of a mean of 68% disarticulated shell. Contrary to expectations, seagrass habitats did not support higher diversity or abundance compared to unvegetated habitats. Determining a revised profile of the bivalve community in Mosquito Lagoon and understanding habitat associations is important for improving water quality and restoration.

Thesis Completion Year

2024

Thesis Completion Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair

Donnelly, Melinda

College

College of Sciences

Department

Biology

Thesis Discipline

Biology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright