York, Paul H., Smith, Timothy, Sherman, Craig, Macreadie, Peter, and Broitman, Bernardo (2013) The story of the South American seagrass Zostera chilensis; endangered or invasive species. In: Australian Marine Sciences Association 2013 Program and Abstract Handbook. p. 229. From: AMSA 2013: Australian Marine Sciences Association Conference, 7-11 July 2013, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Seagrasses are currently facing a crisis with 29% declines in global coverage, and 14% of all seagrass species are at risk of extinction. One of the most at risk species is Zostera chilensis, classified as endangered under the IUCN redlist. Only two populations of this species have been documented on the coast of central Chile, the only seagrass populations on the entire Pacific coast of South America. Its closest relative (Z. nigricaulis) occurs in southern Australia and until recently they were considered the same species (Heterozostera tasmanica). There is ongoing debate on the validity of Z. chilensis as a species and if the taxonomy can be settled then the IUCN listing may be reassessed as Critically Endangered. The seagrass is vulnerable to coastal development but there are no conservation measures in place to ensure its protection. Despite this, the seagrass beds provide nursery habitat for juvenile scallops and crabs that are exploited by local fishermen who see the benefit of its management and conservation. Flowering has never been observed so reproduction and dispersal is thought to be predominately through vegetative means. This suggests that the population may be very low in genetic diversity and resilience. We are currently undertaking a genetic and demographic study of Z. chilensis to: confirm the taxonomy and determine its establishment pathway (e.g. Gondwanan relic population or a recent translocation from Australia); determine its genetic diversity; and relate morphology, floral density and seed banks within the seagrass population to the findings of these genetic analyses.

Item ID:	83788
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Date Deposited:	15 Oct 2024 03:29
FoR Codes:	37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3708 Oceanography > 370801 Biological oceanography @ 50% 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310307 Population ecology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180506 Oceanic processes (excl. in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean) @ 50% 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 50%
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