The Ecology of Ruppia Drepanensis Tineo in a Mediterranean Brackish Marsh (Donana National Park, SW Spain)

One of the most important features of floodplain wetlands, both from an economical and a purely naturalistic point of view, is their high secondary production, with abundant vertebrates, fish and birds. This production is primarily based on the high productivity of aquatic macrophytes and their associated periphytic algae. Semi-arid floodplain wetlands have a very dynamic character, with yearly recolonization by the fauna and flora as a characteristic phenomenon. This study concentrates on the understanding of the dynamics of the aquatic vegetation as research strategy for the management of such wetlands. The study aimed to identify potential causes for the decline of submerged macrophyte populations and to bring about a better understanding of the factors behind the interannual variation in their development.