Algal Epiphyte Biomass on Seagrass Along the Texas Coast (2011-2021)

Six sites along the South Texas coast were sampled from 2011 to 2021. Estimates of algal epiphytic biomass were made from separate leaf samples of entire seagrass shoots, with samples processed within three days of collection. The dataset was created by Kyle Capistrant‐Fossa of The University of Texas at Austin.

Use Cases

• Modeling epiphyte biomass accumulation over time based on the decadal sampling period.
• Analyzing spatial variation in algal loading on seagrass based on data from six coastal sites.
• Studying seagrass-epiphyte interactions based on paired dry weight biomass measurements of scraped material and leaves.

Strengths

• Data collection spans a decade (2011-2021), enabling long-term trend analysis.
• Samples were taken from six distinct sites along the Texas coast, suggesting spatial coverage.
• A standardized laboratory protocol is described, including drying to constant weight at 60°C.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Kyle Capistrant‐Fossa, The University of Texas at Austin

Collection Method

Field collection of seagrass shoots followed by laboratory processing of leaf samples for epiphyte biomass.

Time Range

2011 - 2021

Geography

Six sites along the South Texas coast