Estimating maximum depth distribution of seagrass using underwater videography

Conference · Sun Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1997

OSTI ID:478169

Norris, J G ^[1]; Wyllie-Echeverria, S

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1. Marine Resources Consultants, Port Townsend, WA (United States)

The maximum depth distribution of eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds in Willapa Bay, Washington appears to be limited by light penetration which is likely related to water turbidity. Using underwater videographic techniques we estimated that the maximum depth penetration in the less turbid outer bay was -5.85 ft (MILW) and in the more turbid inner bay was only -1.59 ft (MLLW). Eelgrass beds had well defined deepwater edges and no eelgrass was observed in the deep channels of the bay. The results from this study suggest that aerial photographs taken during low tide periods are capable of recording the majority of eelgrass beds in Willapa Bay.

• OSTI ID: 478169
• Report Number(s): CONF-970319-; TRN: 97:002802-0063
• Resource Relation: Conference: 4. thematic international conference on remote sensing for marine and coastal environments: technology and applications, Orlando, FL (United States), 17-19 Mar 1997; Other Information: PBD: 1997; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the fourth international conference on remote sensing for marine and coastal environments. Technology and applications: Volume I; PB: 741 p.
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
SEAWEEDS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
DEPTH
WASHINGTON
TURBIDITY
BAYS