Abstract
We evaluated two marsh terracing restoration projects (GI=Galveston Island State Park, PM=Pierce Marsh) to compare nekton density and biomass between locations and among habitat types (open water pre-construction, open water post-construction, terrace marsh, terrace pond). Most (72%) animals collected were decapod crustaceans. Few differences in nekton abundance were observed over time (pre-construction versus post-construction open water). Comparisons of pre-construction to post-construction open water showed that the locations differed environmentally (e.g., turbidity) and in populations of nekton species. Density and biomass of gulf menhaden Brevoortia patronus and spot Leiostomus xanthurus in spring and density of white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus in fall were higher at PM than GI, whereas densities and biomass of blue crab Callinectes sapidus, density of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum, and biomass of brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus in the fall were higher at GI than PM. Despite location differences, constructing terraces appeared to benefit fishery species at both locations. Densities of brown shrimp, blue crab, white shrimp (fall), and pink shrimp (fall) and the biomass of brown shrimp, blue crab, and white shrimp (fall) were higher in terrace marsh than open water. Marsh terracing appears to be an effective tool for enhancing fishery habitat in degraded coastal systems.
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Acknowledgments
Funding for this research was provided by the NOAA Fisheries Service Restoration Center and Southeast Fisheries Science Center. The research was conducted through the NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Science Center by personnel from the Fishery Ecology Branch located at the Galveston Laboratory and the Estuarine Habitats and Coastal Fisheries Center in Lafayette, LA. In particular, field and laboratory assistance was provided by Philip Caldwell, Harley Clinton, Molly Dillender, Jim Ditty, Jennifer Doerr, Shawn Hillen, Joni Kernan, Kirk Kilfoyle, Seth King, Genni Miller, Freddie Nix, Matt Prine, Juan Salas, Katie Turner, Katrinyda Williams, and Elizabeth Wilson. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the NOAA Fisheries Service.
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Merino, J.H., Rozas, L.P., Minello, T.J. et al. Effects of Marsh Terracing on Nekton Abundance at Two Locations in Galveston Bay, Texas. Wetlands 30, 693–704 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-010-0079-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-010-0079-x