ABSTRACT

Our research was conducted in Oyster Pond on San Salvador

Island, Bahamas, to study Hurricane Joaquins impact on the
biota of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) prop roots, with
a focus on macroalgae and invertebrates. We hypothesized
that there would be a decrease in the number and variety of
organisms attached to the mangrove prop roots. Two transect
lines were used to observe 16 samples using a 0.25 m2
quadrat to study the biota. Surface water grab samples were
also collected to analyze water chemistry. Previous data for
pH, salinity, and nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia)
showed little to no change in water chemistry 6 months after
the hurricane. The dominant invertebrate species found on
the prop roots was the black mangrove oyster (Isognonzen
alatus) which contrasts with previous studies reporting the
burnt mussel (Brachiodontes exastas) as the dominant
species. Dominant macroalgae on the prop roots were
Batophora oerstedii and Acetabularia (crenulata and
calyculus), and previous studies reported a larger variety of
macroalgae with a more even distribution. This study
provides evidence that the red mangrove prop root biota is
recovering, and is currently less diverse and less abundant
than pre-hurricane conditions.

An Examination of Hurricane Joaquins Impact on the

Red Mangrove Prop Root Biota of Oyster Pond in San Salvador Bahamas
Lauren Dunn, Ashlyn Pack, Alex Schwartz, Emily Sherman
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Dawn Ford and Dr. Ann Holmes
CONCLUSIONS

RESULTS
Our observations noted that there was less variety in macroalgae, and the roots were more dominated by Scaly Pearl Oysters and Black
Mangrove Oysters (Figure 4). The overall coverage of each observed root (or set of roots) was lower than the previous observations
recounted to us by Ford and Abernathy (2014, 2015). Table 1 demonstrates a visual comparison between our observations and the
observations of Ford and Abernathy as well as the average percent coverage of each species observed/documented in our 2016 study.
Pictured below is also a visual comparison of the two observed species of Acetabularia (Figure 3).

Table 1. Algae and invertebrate species documented in Oyster Pond.

INTRODUCTION
San Salvador is a small outer island (See Figure 1) that was
devastated by Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015. When a
hurricane advances over an island, severe damage occurs to
the terrestrial ecosystems and coastal communities. The
results of hurricane damage depend on the hurricanes
intensity, velocity, diameter, and protection provided by
topographical features (Tanner et al., 1991). Although there
has been little research done on San Salvadors interior ponds
regarding the red mangroves, Doyle et al. (1992) found that a
plethora of studies document hurricane effects on other
islands and land masses. They state that mangrove species
are susceptible and vulnerable to hurricane disturbances.

Our observations determined major changes in the number of species

observed. We also found that there was a significant change in the
bivalve species as Black Mangrove Oysters heavily dominated while no
Burnt Mussels were observed. This contrasts with data found in 20052007 by Cole et al. where Oyster Pond was dominated by Burnt
Mussels. Our data shows some parallels with the observations of Cole
et al. where they found some changes in the biota of Oyster Pond posthurricane sd compared to the massive changes in other interior ponds
like Little Granny Pond. It is hypothesized that Oyster Pond has some
natural protection from the hurricanes damaging effects, and more
research could be done in the future on the biota of other sections of
prop-roots in the pond. Pictured below are some photographs of the
visual changes of the pond (Figure 4).

Figure 5. Oyster pond before and after the hurricane.

The hurricane effects are what inspired our research in San

Salvador. The objective of our study was to compare
Rhizophora mangle prop roots pre- and post-hurricane
Joaquin to see if there was a change in biota.

METHODS
Using measuring tape, Ziploc bags, a 0.25m2 quadrat, orange
flagging tape, and a GoPro, our group used transects to survey
the red mangrove prop roots.
We flagged off every 5 meters along the edge of the pond for
40 meters from each side of the entrance (Figure 2), and took a
visual survey of the species present on the roots, took
photographs for reference, and collected samples of the visible
algae.
This process was done for each flag , giving us 16 total
samples. As part of our visual survey we determined the
percent coverage of each species (algae and invertebrates).

Figure 1. Map of Bahamas.

Figure 3. Oyster species found.

Black Mangrove Oysters

Figure 2. Map of transects sampled in Oyster Pond.

Figure 4. Common green algae.

Acetabularia
calyculus

Acetabularia
crenulata

REFERENCES
Cole, Eric et al. 2005-2007. The Effect of Hurricane Activity on Scaly Pearl Oysters, Pinctada longisquamosa,
in Two Dissimilar Island Marine Ponds on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Proceedings of the Eleventh
Symposium on the Natural History of the Bahamas. 79-79.
Doyle, T. W. et al. 1995. Wind Damage Effects of Hurricane Andrew on Mangrove Communities Along the
Southwest Coast of Florida, USA. Journal of Coastal Research, 159168.
Ford, Dawn and Jalana Abernathy. 2014-2015. Biotic Survey of Reckley Hill, Crescent, and Oyster Ponds:
Preliminary Findings.
Littler, Diane et al. 1989. Marine Plants of the Caribbean: A Field Guide from Florida to Brazil. Smithsonian
Institution Press.
Rothfus, Erin A. 2012. Water Quality Monitoring of San Salvadorian Inland Lakes. Proceedings of the
Eleventh Symposium on the Natural History of the Bahamas and Other Carbonate Regions.
Tanner, E. V. et al. 1991. Hurricane Effects on Forest Ecosystems in the Caribbean. Biotropica 23(4): 513
521.

Acknowledgements
Scaly Pearl Oysters

Photos credits to Dawn Ford, Jalana Abernathy, and Alex Schwartz.

Special thanks to Jalana Abernathy and Sabrina Novak for assisting
with the course.