Abstract for F054
Benthic Vascular Saltwater Vegetation
Végétation vasculaire aquatique benthique d’eau salée
Benthic Vascular Saltwater Vegetation includes subtidal or intertidal bottoms and any other areas characterized by a dominant cover of rooted vascular plants which are usually submersed in the water column or floating on the surface. They may be exposed during low tides. The vascular vegetation beds are commonly dominated by any number of seagrass or eelgrass species, including Cymodocea, Halodule, Thalassia, Halophila, Vallisneria, Ruppia, Phyllospadix, and Zostera. Seagrass beds may occur in true marine salinities, and they may extend into the lower salinity zones of estuaries. Seagrass beds are complex structural habitats that provide refuge and foraging opportunities for abundant and diverse faunal communities in shallow waters. Seagrass beds require a specific set of ecological conditions for success, and they are generally perceived as areas of high environmental quality.
Source: Faber-Langendoen, D., T. Keeler-Wolf, D. Meidinger, C. Josse, A. Weakley, D. Tart, G. Navarro, B. Hoagland, S. Ponomarenko, J.-P. Saucier, G. Fults, E. Helmer. 2014. Classification and description of world formation types. Part I (Introduction) and Part II (Description of world formations). Hierarchy Revisions Working Group, Federal Geographic Data Committee, FGDC Secretariat, U.S. Geological Survey. Reston, VA, and NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
No Factsheet Available