Habitat linkages: the effect of intertidal saltmarshes and adjacent subtidal habitats on abundance, movement, and growth of an estuarine fish |
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Authors: | E A Irlandi M K Crawford |
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Institution: | (1) NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Beaufort Laboratory, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA, US |
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Abstract: | In this study we used pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) in field experiments to examine linkages between intertidal saltmarsh and adjacent subtidal habitats. Pinfish are more
than twice as abundant in intertidal marshes adjacent to seagrass beds than in those adjacent to the unvegetated subtidal
bottom. Movement of pinfish between the marsh edge and the adjacent subtidal habitat was greater for fish captured in areas
with both intertidal and subtidal vegetation than in those with intertidal vegetation and adjacent unvegetated mudflats. This
movement provides an important link between habitats, allowing transfer of marsh-derived secondary production to subtidal
seagrass beds and vice versa. Pinfish held in enclosures with both intertidal and subtidal vegetation were, on average, approximately
90% heavier than fish held in enclosures with intertidal vegetation and unvegetated subtidal bottom. Because saltmarshes and
seagrass beds contribute to the production of living marine resources, active measures are being taken to preserve and restore
these habitats. The results from this study have direct application to decisions concerning site selection and optimal spatial
proximity of saltmarsh and seagrass habitats in the planning of restoration and mitigation projects. To maximize secondary
production and utilization of intertidal marshes, managers may opt to restore and/or preserve marshes adjacent to subtidal
seagrass beds.
Received: 31 May 1996 / Accepted: 23 October 1996 |
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Keywords: | Habitat heterogeneity Lagodon rhomboides Landscape ecology Saltmarsh Seagrass |
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