Model predictions of the sedimentary organic carbon stocks associated with seagrass beds on the Florida Gulf Coast

These data describe sedimentary organic carbon stocks associated with seagrasses in the Florida Gulf Coast at the 1-hectare scale estimated from modeled scenarios for the contemporary period (mean annual summertime; 1997-2017). Sedimentary organic carbon stocks (Mg Corg ha-^1) were quantified using field measurements and laboratory analyses of sediment cores collected from four bays along the northern Florida Gulf Coast (Crystal Bay, St. Joseph’s Bay, Apalachee Bay, and Deadman’s Bay). Models accounting for the effects of total seagrass cover, the proximity of oyster reefs, and the proximity of river outflow were then used to make predictions about the organic carbon stocks associated with confirmed seagrass beds and potential recovery areas. Confirmed beds include areas that have been previously surveyed and found to have seagrass beds by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) aerial surveys between 1985 and 2019. Potential recovery areas include areas where seagrass beds are absent from FWCC maps but could potentially survive if restored according to seagrass model predictions. For more information about the methods used to develop model predictions, see McHenry et al. (2023). The dataset also includes a script used to create figures from McHenry et al. (2023).
Paper Citation: McHenry J., A. Rassweiler, G. Hernan, A.K. Dubel, A.K., C. Curtin, N. Varias, J. Barzak & S.E. Lester (2023). Geographic variation in organic carbon storage by seagrass beds. Limnology & Oceanography.