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Substrate preferences of scyphozoan Aurelia labiata polyps among common dock-building materials

  • JELLYFISH BLOOMS
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Abstract

New habitat on proliferating marine construction may increase jellyfish polyp populations, and thereby increase jellyfish populations worldwide. In this investigation, we examined planula settlement and polyp immigration rates of the scyphozoan Aurelia labiata Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821 on six common dock-building materials. The planulae and polyps preferred plastics (expanded polystyrenes, low and high density polyethylene) to rubber and treated wood when choosing habitat on man-made surfaces. Substrate surface texture and the presence/absence of anti-fouling chemicals are discussed as possible causes for these substrate preferences. This study illustrates the potential effects of different man-made structures on jellyfish populations, and provides useful information to coastal managers and port authorities for reduction of biofouling and jellyfish bloom effects.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the director and staff of Shannon Point Marine Center for supplying the facilities, equipment, and support to make this study possible, The Charles and June Ross Foundation and the Biology department of Western Washington University for their financial support, Brian Williams of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for his technical expertise, Mr. Dundee, owner of the Cornet Bay Marina for allowing us to conduct experiments at his facilities, Dr. Brian Bingham for advise concerning experimental design, and Nathan Schwarck for his support and friendship throughout. This research was funded in part by National Science Foundation ADVANCE Fellows Award OCE-0137419.

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  1. Shannon Point Marine Center, Western Washington University, 1900 Shannon Point Rd, Anacortes, WA, 98221, USA

    Richard A. Hoover & Jennifer E. Purcell

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  1. Richard A. Hoover
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  2. Jennifer E. Purcell
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Correspondence to Richard A. Hoover.

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Guest editors: K. A. Pitt & J. E. Purcell

Jellyfish Blooms: Causes, Consequences, and Recent Advances

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Hoover, R.A., Purcell, J.E. Substrate preferences of scyphozoan Aurelia labiata polyps among common dock-building materials. Hydrobiologia 616, 259–267 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-008-9595-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-008-9595-6

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