What lies beneath: Predicting seagrass below-ground biomass from above-ground biomass, environmental conditions and seagrass community composition

Seagrass condition, resilience and ecosystem services are affected by the below-ground tissues (BGr) but these rarely monitored. In this study we compiled historical data across northern Australia to investigate biomass allocation strategies in 13 tropical seagrass species. There was sufficient undertake statistical analysis for five species: Cymodocea serrulata, Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, Thalassia hemprichii, Zostera muelleri. The response of above-ground (AGr) other environmental community composition predictor variables were assessed using Generalized Linear Models. Environmental included: region, season, sediment type, water depth, proximity land-based sources pollution, a light stress index. species diversity dominant class (colonising, opportunistic or persistant) based on biomass. explained 84–97% variance BGr log-scale depending Multi-species meadows showed greater investment into than mono-specific when dominated persistent This is likely enhance their resistance disturbances if carbohydrate storage reserves also increase with Region very important estimation from AGr four (not C. serrulata). No temporally changing features included models, therefore, they cannot be used predict local-scale responses change. We case Cairns Harbour applying models measured at 362 sites 2017. demonstrates how model can estimate only measured. However, general approach applied broadly suitable calibration development providing more complete assessment resources potential provide services.