Variation in the Colonization of Artificial Substrates by Mangrove Root Fouling Species of the Port Royal Mangrove Lagoons in the Eutrophic Kingston Harbour, Jamaica

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Port Royal, reveals that mangrove root fouling species can serve as indicators of water quality in eutrophic lagoons. The study found that while species composition varied across stations, sheltered lagoons showed dominance by non-shelled taxa like ascidians and polychaetes, whereas exposed areas, such as Hurricane Refuge lagoon, exhibited higher proportions of shelled taxa, including bivalves and barnacles. This pattern suggests that differences in biomass and species composition reflect varying stress levels due to eutrophication. To investigate this, researchers suspended Perspex panels in the prop root zone at five contrasting stations within Port Royal's mangroves, monitoring fouling organisms fortnightly via underwater digital photography. The study identified nine taxonomic categories of epibionts, with ascidians being the most prevalent group.

Elliott, T., Persad, G., & Webber, M. (2012). Variation in the Colonization of Artificial Substrates by Mangrove Root Fouling Species of the Port Royal Mangrove Lagoons in the Eutrophic Kingston Harbour, Jamaica. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 04(06), 377–387. https://doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2012.46043