Geomorphological complexity and its association with submerged aquatic vegetation on the Yucatán coast
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Shallow marine ecosystems with extensive communities of submerged aquatic vegetation, including seagrasses and macroalgae, are found along the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. This study describes the geomorphological complexity of the nearshore seafloor in Yucatán, Mexico, and its association with submerged aquatic vegetation communities, constituting the first effort of its kind in this region. This work is relevant because ecological interactions between the seafloor and its inhabitants define the spatial structure of ecosystems, as well as ecological processes, many of which provide benefits to human society. The objectives of this study were to: (1) spatially delineate discrete geomorphological units (structures and zones) based on their depth, slope, and aspect; (2) describe the relative abundance of major groups of submerged aquatic vegetation (seagrasses, green algae, red algae, brown algae, and algal turf); and (3) assess the association between geomorphology and the presence of the vegetation groups under study. This information establishes a baseline for biological, ecological, and oceanographic analyses of the coastal marine ecosystems in southeastern Mexico. In addition, the results of this study are crucial for decision-making related to coastal development, adaptive management, and environmental conservation monitoring, and provide a foundation for functional ecosystem assessment studies.
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