Nekton use of oligohaline Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora marsh in Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina, USA. (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyer, David L.; Johnson, John M.; Gill, John; Doley, Christopher
• Is Part Of: Ocean & coastal management. Volume 230(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: Fundulus -- Fish -- Invasive -- Restoration; Marine resources -- Management -- Periodicals; Coastal zone management -- Periodicals; Coastal ecology -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Périodiques; Littoral -- Aménagement -- Périodiques; Écologie littorale -- Périodiques; Coastal ecology; Coastal zone management; Marine resources -- Management; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 551.46
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-5691

Abstract

Abstract: Oligohaline Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora marshes with similar physical conditions were examined within two different geographic regions: 1) related to marsh nekton and marsh-edge finfish species abundance, biomass and community structure, 2) to determine whether marsh functional patterns are consistent over large-scale geographic settings, and 3) to assess consistency of nekton use for each macrophyte type between geographic regions. Few significant differences regarding abundance, biomass, community structure, and catch composition between P . australis and S . alterniflora marshes for marsh nekton and marsh-edge finfish species were observed. P . australis and S . alterniflora marshes, regardless of geographic region, provided similar functions for marsh nekton and estuarine finfish communities. However, differences between Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina geographic regions for marsh nekton use were pronounced. Significantly more nekton species utilized P . australis and S . alterniflora marshes in North Carolina versus Chesapeake Bay. Also, the abundance of seven of 12 marsh nekton species common to both regions within S. alterniflora marshes, and four of 12 species within P. australis marshes, differed significantly between regions. It is important to consider at what point differences between estuarine habitats warrant the selection of one functional habitat over another, or conversion of functional habitat for restoration of another. Instead of determinations based on one or a few species of interest, clearly defined criteria should be used to determine necessity for replacement of one habitat type for another, and these should consider ecological values and attributes necessary for ecosystem function. Highlights: Nekton community structures were similar between oligohaline P. australis and S. alterniflora. Nekton species occurrence and abundances were similar between oligohaline P. australis and S. alterniflora marshes. Differences between geographic regions for P. australis and S. alterniflora nekton use were significant.