Patterns of some seagrass distribution in the Torres Strait, Queensland

Abstract

The Torres Strait (10ºS., 141-144ºE.) has 12 species of seagrasses: representing 22% of all known species. They are sparsely distributed over wide areas and mostly restricted by the erosive effect of strong currents and high turbidity to the intertidal areas landward of the coral reef crest. Species showed no characteristic zonation patterns and occurred in highdiversity. It is postulated that this may be due to environmental stress caused by exposure which over-rides the competitive advantage of normally dominant species.