| Natural Communities of Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve |
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Tidal Marsh
Tidal marshes (or saltmarshes) stabilize and bind
sediments, protecting against erosion. They also provide
significant nursery, feeding and reproductive habitat
for a wide variety of organisms. Most of the saltmarshes
in Alligator Harbor are located along the tidal creek at
the eastern end of the harbor. The animal life of the
saltmarsh is rich and diverse, including several species
of invertebrates, fish, birds and even some mammals.
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Unconsolidated Substrate
Muddy, softbottom, unvegetated substrate comprises the
majority of the open water zone and is the dominant
natural community of the harbor. The relative
composition of the sand, silt, clay and shell fractions
of the sediments depends on the proximity to land,
runoff conditions, water currents and biological
productivity. This substrate is generally dominated by
polychaetes and amphipods.
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Oyster Reefs
Oyster reefs are stable islands of substrate in
an otherwise muddy environment. Their extensive surface
area provides essential habitat for many animals and the
crevices provide a refuge for motile invertebrates such
as crabs. They also can improve water clarity through
filtration. They comprise approximately 291 acres within
Alligator Harbor.
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Algal Beds
Over 300 species of algae have been found in the general area of Alligator Harbor. Red algae are the
most conspicuous, but green algaes are also well represented. Brown and blue-green algae are less
conspicuous, but still present. These algal beds are an important food source for grazers.
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Seagrass Beds
Seagrass beds are submerged flowering plants which
stabilize sediments, entrap silt, recycle nutrients,
provide shelter and habitat for animals, serve as
nursery grounds and are important direct food
sources. They are dependent on light and have a
limited range in Alligator Harbor, due to the
turbidity. The grassbeds in Alligator Harbor cover
approximately 646 acres and are primarily shoal
grass, manatee grass and turtle grass.
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Last updated:
April 12, 2013
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3900 Commonwealth Boulevard M.S. 235
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
850-245-2094 (phone) / 850-245-2110 (fax)
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