Dataset: TEN Biomass Morphometrics Spring 2018

Field collection procedures:
Haphazardly select 10 locations to sample with a PVC core. At each location, carefully place the PVC core (15cm diameter) on the sediment surface. It is extremely important to check both the inside and outside edges of the PVC ring to ensure that seagrass leaves are not trapped underneath. If there are leaves inside the ring that originate from shoots outside the PVC ring, carefully pull these leaves out. Conversely, if there are leaves outside the PVC ring that originate from shoots inside the ring, carefully pull these leaves inside. Only after this has been completed, insert the ring 10cm into the sediment while simultaneously twisting the core to sever belowground rhizomes. Carefully remove the core and place all captured aboveground and belowground vegetative biomass into a mesh bag. Gently shake the bag underwater to remove loosely attached sediment.

Lab processing procedures for morphometric data:
In the lab, take each mesh bag and carefully transfer its contents into a separate tub filled with freshwater. Gently agitate the seagrass material in the freshwater to further remove loosely attached sediment. Record the total number of Thalassia shoots, any evidence of grazing bite marks (number of grazing marks per shoot) and a visual estimate of epiphyte loading. Arrange all shoots on a smooth surface (e.g. glass plate) and record the length in mm of the longest leaf from each shoot.