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A Before–After–Control–Impact Analysis of the Effects of a Mississippi River Freshwater Diversion on Estuarine Nekton in Louisiana, USA

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Abstract

Since 1991, the Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion has been reintroducing Mississippi River water into a previously hydrologically isolated estuary in an effort to restore wetlands. To determine the effect of freshwater inflow on estuarine nekton community structure, a Before–After–Control–Impact study design was applied. As a result of the opening, salinities in the impact area decreased, and the nekton community structure in the estuary changed significantly. Species of economical or ecological importance either increased in biomass or exhibited no response to the opening of the diversion. Higher abundances of small fish were observed in the area receiving freshwater flow, which is an indication that the area serves as a refuge from large marine predators. Because a salinity gradient was established, as opposed to a uniform but lower salinity regime, aquatic habitat was available to nekton species from a wide spectrum of salinity tolerances.

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Acknowledgment

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries funded this research with Sport Fish Restoration dollars provided through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Federal Assistance Program. We would also like to thank the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for providing data. We acknowledge four anonymous reviewers and the associate editor whose comments have greatly improved the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA

    Kim de Mutsert

  2. Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    James H. Cowan Jr.

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Correspondence to Kim de Mutsert.

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de Mutsert, K., Cowan, J.H. A Before–After–Control–Impact Analysis of the Effects of a Mississippi River Freshwater Diversion on Estuarine Nekton in Louisiana, USA. Estuaries and Coasts 35, 1237–1248 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-012-9522-y

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