Submerged Aquatic Vegetation of the Lower St. Johns River

Substantial "beds" of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAY) are prevalent in the shallow water areas (<1.5 m) of the lower St. Johns River (LSJR) and occur as patchy, discontinuous bands along the shoreline. Submersed aquatic vegetation can provide a number of important ecological functions such as the stabilization of sediments, reduction of shoreline erosion, nutrient recycling, assimilation of contaminants and the release of oxygen into the water column. Moreover, it provides structure for periphytic growth and serves as a food source and/or refuge for larval and juvenile stages of many marine and estuarine organisms. SAY is also an important food source for the endangered Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus), waterfowl, turtles and insects in the LSJR.

Publisher - St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)

Subjects - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)

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Citation: Burns Jr JW, Chapman AD, Messer E, Konwinski J. 1997. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation of the Lower St. Johns River. Palatka (FL): St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). 225 pp