Daniela Bull

Date Approved

3-10-2015

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Biology

Committee Member

Steven Francoeur, Ph.D., Chair

Committee Member

Gary Hannan, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kristin Judd, Ph.D.

Abstract

Beach fouling is a problem in the Great Lakes. We surveyed beaches along the southwestern shore of Saginaw Bay to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of beach fouling (muck), muck composition, and any relationship between muck accrual and weather conditions. Muck deposition was greater towards the end of the growing season. The Bay City Recreation Area (BCRA) had the highest frequency of muck presence. BCRA muck depth was much greater in 2010 and 2011 than in 2012 and 2013. No sites differed in muck depth in 2012, but in 2013 the two southernmost sites tended to have greater muck depth. BCRA muck composition differed from that of all other sites. Southern sites had the higher percentages of amorphous material, while the northern sites had more fresh algae. There were no simple patterns between muck deposition and weather conditions. A combination of factors may be required to accurately predict muck deposition events.

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