Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Bedgood, Samuel

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

This study quantifies macroalgal coverage and benthic composition across monitoring sites in Sarasota Bay, Florida during 2022 to 2024. By using photo-quadrat imagery, percent cover was calculated to assess tempo-spatial patterns in macroalgal abundance. Results revealed seasonal fluctuations with peaks during spring months under favorable temperature and light conditions. Filamentous brown algae and cyanobacteria emerged across quadrants as disturbance-tolerant taxa. These algae forms often co-occurred with seagrass beds and suggested potential competitive interactions. Through comparative analysis of these results with Sarasota Bay Estuary Program data, there was an indication of localized increases in macroalgal abundance. These findings highlight the importance of continued monitoring and nutrient management to preserve benthic diversity and determining possible shifts in benthic composition.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

Download

Share

COinS