Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Moore, Jon

Abstract

Increases in jellyfish blooms worldwide have been linked to synergistic effects of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances. Cassiopea sp. are epibenthic jellyfish found in significantly higher densities and larger in size in areas that have high human populations. This study quantified the spatial and class-size distribution of Cassiopea xamachana in the Loxahatchee River, in an area referred to as Jellyfish Bay, by analyzing bell diameters and abundance, percent of submerged aquatic vegetation, and nutrient levels to determine if anthropogenic factors play a role in their presence there. Porewater samples from the bay had higher phosphorous levels compared to the rest of the river. This was indicative of wastewater runoff and may also indicate P-limitation. Nitrate levels were slightly lower than the average values and Cassiopea spp. preferentially take up nitrogen for their symbiotic zooxanthellae, so the higher densities of Cassiopea spp. in the embayment could be soaking up that nitrogen.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

36 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00005

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