Distribution and abundance of tidal marshes along the coast of maine

Planimetry studies of coastal geology maps prepared by the Maine Geological Survey show that there is more than an order of magnitude more tidal marsh area in the state of Maine than documented in previously published estimates. The highly convoluted coast of Maine, which is approximately 5,970 km long, contains almost 79 km² of salt marsh, far more than any other New England state, New York, or the Bay of Fundy region. Reasonable estimates for the per-unit primary productivity of salt marshes lead to projections of total marsh productivity on the order of 10¹⁰ g dry weight yr^?1 for the Maine coast and 10¹¹ g dry weight yr^?1 for the Gulf of Maine as a whole. Distribution of tidal marsh area is strongly controlled by coastal geomorphology, which varies considerably along the coast of Maine. The salt marsh area is concentrated in the southwestern coastal region of arcuate bays, where marshes have developed behind sandy beaches. A series of long islands and bedrock peninsulas in the south-central portion of the coast also provides sheltered areas where large marshes occur. Northeast of Penobscot Bay salt marshes become more numerous and smaller in average areal extent. A lack of protection from waves, along with limited sources of glacio-fluvial and glacio-marine sediments, restricts the occurrence of salt marshes in that region to the frignes of coves and tidal rivers.     

Seasonal abundance of aquatic diptera in two oligohaline tidal marshes in Mississippi

Nineteen species of Diptera (16 in each zone) from seven families were found in monthly collections (June 1979 through May 1980) in two Mississippi marsh plant zones dominated byJuncus roemerianus Scheele andSpartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth, respectively. TheJuncus zone was dominated by a species ofPalpomyia-Bezzia complex, two species ofBezzia (Ceratopogonidae),Paratendipes sp.,Limnophyes sp. (Chironomidae) andThinophilus frontalis (Dolichopodidae).Palpomyia-Bezzia sp.,Culicoides hollensis, Ormosia sp. (Tipulidae) andPelastoneurus abbreviatus (Dolichopodidae) dominated theSpartina zone. Total inset density and species richness were lowest in June and July in both zones, corresponding to a pulse of adult emergence. Overall, total density was significantly higher in theSpartina zone with mean values of 165 and 245 insects m^?2 for the {Juncus} and {Spartina} zones, respectively. In addition to total density, differences in abundance were apparent for a number of species between marsh zones. Patterns could be attributed to species-specific habitat preference., predation by aquatic predators, and/or by interactions of the infauna themselves.     

Comparison of giant cutgrass productivity in tidal and impounded marshes with special reference to tidal subsidy and waste assimilation

Aboveground live standing crop of giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea) populations in similar freshwater tidal and impounded nontidal marshes were almost identical (peaking at 1,039 g per m² in each). The mortality, however, was greater in the tidal marsh resulting in significantly (95% level) greater annual production of aboveground cutgrass in the tidal (1,530±103 g per m² per yr) than the impounded (1,172±88 g per m² per yr) marsh, a 31% difference which we consider to be a measure of tidal subsidy. Belowground production also was found to average higher in the tidal marsh, but estimates were not as satisfactory as the aboveground results due to sampling difficulties. Combined annual above and belowground net production comes to an estimated 2,048 ±101 g per m² per yr for the tidal and 1,481±219 for the impounded cutgrass marsh. The potential of freshwater tidal marshes for tertiary treatment of wastes is briefly discussed.     

Distribution and abundance of early life history stages of the blue crab,Callinectes sapidus,in tidal marsh creeks near Charleston,South Carolina

A 16-month study of estuarine habitats in poly-, meso-, and oligohaline salinity regimes near Charleston Harbor assessed the distribution and abundance of megalopae and early crab stages of the blue crab,Callinectes sapidus. Blue crab were sampled with a plankton net and a cylindrical drop sampler. Blue crab were most abundant in plankton collections at night, accounting for 68% of the megalopae and over 88% of the juveniles collected in day and night tows combined. At night, densities of megalopae were greatest in surface samples, whereas densities in daylight collections were greater on the bottom. Juvenile densities were greatest on the bottom in both day and night collections, although catch rates at night were more variable than those of the megalopae. This suggests that megalopae, and possibly juvenile stages, experience a diel vertical migration. Results indicate that ingress to estuarine nursery areas occurs at the megalopal stage. Megalopal densities were highest at the polyhaline site, while juvenile blue crab were most abundant in the oligohaline area. Habitat utilization by juvenile blue crab was estimated using a cylindrical drop sampler and Venturi suction pump on three bottom types in the intertidal zone. Densities were greatest over the sandy-mud substrate, although catch rates were much lower than those reported for other geographical areas. These results suggest that juvenile blue crab do not occur in abundance on the marsh surface but remain on the creek bottom, possibly because creek physiography and large tidal amplitudes may restrict accessibility to the marsh surface.     

Nutrient dynamics in pore water of tidal marshes near the Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay, China

Tidal marshes act as a buffer system for nutrients in the pore water and play important roles in controlling the budget of nutrients and pollutants that reach the sea. Spatial and seasonal dynamics of pore water nutrients were surveyed in three tidal marshes (Chongming Island, Hengsha Island, and Fengxian tidal flat) near the Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay from August 2007 to May 2008. Nutrient variations in pore water closely followed seawater quality in the estuaries, while the average concentration of NH₄ ⁺–N, the main form of inorganic nitrogen in pore water, was over two orders of magnitude higher than that in seawater which was dominated by nitrate. NH₄ ⁺–N export (13.81 μmol m^?2 h^?1) was lower than the import of (NO₃ ^?+NO₂ ^?)–N (?24.17 μmol m^?2 h^?1) into sediment over the 1-year period, hence reducing N-eutrophication in coastal waters. The export of SiO₃ ^2?–Si and PO₄ ^3?–P from tidal marshes regulated nutrient level and composition and lifted the ratio beyond potentidal element limitation in the coastal system. Moreover, macrophyte plants (Spartina alterniflora and Phragmites australis) played significant roles in controlling nutrient concentration in pore water and its exchange between marshes and estuaries. Fengxian marsh was characterized by higher nutrient concentrations and fluxes than other marshes in response to the more serious eutrophication in Hangzhou Bay than in the Yangtze Estuary.     

Surface elevation dynamics in vegetatedSpartina marshes versus unvegetated tidal ponds along the Mid-Atlantic coast, USA, with implications to waterbirds

Mid Atlantic coastal salt marshes contain a matrix of vegetation diversified by tidal pools, pannes, and creeks, providing habitats of varying importance to many species of breeding, migrating, and wintering waterbirds. We hypothesized that changes in marsh elevation were not sufficient to keep pace with those of sea level in both vegetated and unvegetatedSpartina alterniflora sites at a number of mid lagoon marsh areas along the Atlantic Coast. We also predicted that northern areas would suffer less of a deficit than would southern sites. Beginning in August 1998, we installed surface elevation tables at study sites on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, southern New Jersey, and two locations along Virginia's eastern shore. We compared these elevation changes over the 4–4.5 yr record with the long-term (>50 yr) tidal records for each locale. We also collected data on waterbird use of these sites during all seasons of the year, based on ground surveys and replicated surveys from observation platforms. Three patterns of marsh elevation change were found. At Nauset Marsh, Cape Cod, theSpartina marsh surface tracked the pond surface, both keeping pace with regional sea-level rise rates. In New Jersey, the ponds are becoming deeper while marsh surface elevation remains unchanged from the initial reading. This may result in a submergence of the marsh in the future, assuming sea-level rise continues at current rates. Ponds at both Virginia sites are filling in, while marsh surface elevation rates do not seem to be keeping pace with local sea-level rise. An additional finding at all sites was that subsidence in the vegetated marsh surfaces was less than in unvegetated areas, reflecting the importance of the root mat in stabilizing sediments. The implications to migratory waterbirds are significant. Submergence of much of the lagoonal marsh area in Virginia and New Jersey over the next century could have major negative (i.e., flooding) effects on nesting populations of marsh-dependent seaside sparrowsAmmodramus maritimus, saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrowsAmmodramus caudacutus, black railsLaterallus jamaicensis, clapper railsRallus longirostris. Forster's ternsSterna forsteri, common ternsSterna hirundo, and gull-billed ternsSterna nilotica. Although short-term inundation of many lagoonal marshes may benefit some open-water feeding ducks, geese, and swans during winter, the long-term ecosystem effects may be detrimental, as wildlife resources will be lost or displaced. With the reduction in area of emergent marsh, estuarine secondary productivity and biotic diversity will also be reduced.     

Morphological response of tidal marshes,flats and channels of the Outer Yangtze River mouth to a major storm

Systematic morphological changes of the coastline of the outer Yangtze River mouth in response to storms versus calm weather were documented by daily surveys of tidal marshes and flats between April 1999 and May 2001 and by boat surveys offshore during this and earlier periods. The largest single event during 1999 to 2001 was Typhoon Paibaian, which eroded the unvegetated tidal flat and lower marsh and led to accretion on the middle-to-upper marsh and in the subtidal channel. The greatest erosion of 21 cm occurred at the border between the marsh and the unvegetated flat due to the landward retreat of the marsh edge during the storm. Strong waves on the flats increased suspended sediment concentration by 10–20 times. On the upper marsh, where the frequency of submergence by astronomical tides is only 3%, Typhoon Paibian led to 4 cm of accretion, accounting for 57% of the net accretion observed over the 2-yr study. Typhoon Paibian led to 4 cm of accretion, accounting for 57% of the net accretion observed over the 2-yr study. Typhoon Paibian and other large storms in the 1990s caused over 50 cm of accretion along the deep axis of the river mouth outlet channel. During calm weather, when hydrodynamic energy was dominated by tides, deposition was centered on the unvegetated flats and lower, marsh with little deposition on the high marsh and erosion in the subtidal channel. Depositional recovery of the tidal flat from typhoon-induced erosion took only several days, whereas recovery of the subtidal channel by erosion took several weeks. A conceptual model for the morphological responses of tidal marshes, flats, and subtidal channels to storms and calm weather is proposed such that sediment continually moves from regions of highest near-bed energy towards areas of lower energy.     

Use of tidal freshwater marshes by fishes and macrofaunal crustaceans along a marsh stream-order gradient

Fishes and invertebrate macrofauna (nekton) were sampled biweekly (July through October 1985) from the surface of tidal freshwater marshes. Samples were collected with flume nets at three different stream orders (orders 2, 3 and 4+) along a marsh stream order gradient. Twenty-five species of fishes (5,610 individuals, 17.072 kg preserved wet weight) representing 13 families, and three species of invertebrates (19,570 individuals, 13.026 kg preserved wet weight) were collected. The most abundant species were grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio), mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), banded killifish (F. diaphanus), inland silversides (Menidia beryllina), and blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Invertebrate catches (mostly grass shrimp and blue crabs) were not significantly different among stations. Total numbers of fishes were significantly greater at both headwater (order 2) and main creek (order 3) stations than river (order 4+) stations, but catches of headwater and main creek stations were not significantly different. The relationship between marsh stream order and fish abundance may partly be related to the distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) within marsh tidal creeks. Submerged aquatic vegetation decreases in abundance with increasing stream order. Some species may use SAV as a refuge from predators or as a foraging area during low tide when the marsh surface is inaccessible. The presence of SAV in tidal creeks may enhance the habitat value of adjacent marshes.     

Daily variability in abundance and population characteristics of tidal salt-marsh fauna

Nekton and macrocrustacean population levels and characteristics were studied in two similar tidal marsh creeks. Absolute and area-adjusted data were analyzed to determine variability resulting from daily population fluctuations. Two sampling schemes—intensive 3-d seasonal and periodic 1-d—were examined by constructing probability matrices to compare the accuracy of data comparisons resulting from each scheme. The probability of inaccuracies in comparisons of abundance using nonreplicated sampling schemes ranged from 0% to 100%. Significant differences between consecutive day data were observed for population characteristics such as blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) sex ratios, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) length-weights, killifish: sciaenid ratios, and killifish: blue crab ratios. These data support the need to account for short-term variability when assessing mobile aquatic fauna abundance in estuarine wetlands.     

Flux of particulate matter in the tidal marshes and subtidal shallows of the Rhode River estuary

There was a net influx of suspended particulate matter to the uppermost part of the Rhode River estuary during the several years of this study. Most of the influx was due to episodic discharges of suspended sediment from the watershed during heavy rains. In contrast, tidal exchange of particulate matter was not related to rainstorms. Sediment composition data and historical records indicate that marsh accretion accounts for only 13% of the sediment trapping although marshes occupy 60% of the study area. Influx of particulate matter to the marshes is directly related to the amount of time they are submerged during tidal cycles.     

Late Holocene δC and pollen records of paleosalinity from tidal marshes in the San Francisco Bay estuary, California

Records of stable carbon isotopes (δ¹³C) are presented from cores collected from four San Francisco Bay marshes and used as a proxy for changes in estuary salinity. The δ¹³C value of organic marsh sediments are a reflection of the relative proportion of C₃ vs. C₄ plants occupying the surface, and can thus be used as a proxy for vegetation change on the marsh surface. The four marshes included in this study are located along a natural salinity gradient that exists in the San Francisco Bay, and records of vegetation change at all four sites can be used to infer changes in overall estuary paleosalinity. The δ¹³C values complement pollen data from the same marsh sites producing a paleoclimate record for the late Holocene period in the San Francisco Bay estuary. The data indicate that there have been periods of higher-than-average salinity in the Bay estuary (reduced fresh water inflow), including 1600-1300 cal yr B.P., 1000-800 cal yr B.P., 300-200 cal yr B.P., and ca. A.D. 1950 to the present. Periods of lower-than-average salinity (increased fresh water inflow) occurred before 2000 cal yr B.P., from 1300 to 1200 cal yr B.P. and ca. 150 cal yr B.P. to A.D. 1950. A comparison of the timing of these events with records from the California coast, watershed, and beyond the larger drainage of the Bay reveals that the paleosalinity variations reflected regional precipitation.     

Trends in phosphatase activity along a successional gradient of tidal freshwater marshes on the Cooper River South Carolina

Phosphatase activity was measured in sediments from tidal freshwater habitats adjacent to the Cooper River in South Carolina representing different stages of ecological succession. It was found that sediment (0–5 cm) acid phosphatase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphodiesterase activity increased with increasing successional stage and phytomass. Acid phosphatase activity in creased from 7.5±1.2 (±1 SD) in subtidal sediment from a shallow open water habitat without vegetation to 61.2±4.9 μmol g⁻¹ hr⁻¹ (μmol of p-nitrophenol released per gram of dry sediment per hour) in intertidal sediments colonized by emergent macrophytes, while alkaline phosphatase activity increased from 2.1±0.1 to 19.01±1.5 μmol g⁻¹ hr⁻¹. Phosphodiesterase activity increased from 1.8±0.1 to 20.2±2.0 μmol g⁻¹ hr⁻¹ along the same gradient. Acid phosphatase activity was highly correlated (R²=0.92, P<0.001) with the organic matter content of the sediment. A study of phosphatase kinetics showed that V_max of all phosphatases also increased along the successional gradient. Trends in phosphatase activity and V_max correlated positively with plant biomass and negatively with concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus in porewater, sediment extractable phosphorus, and total phosphourus. The porewater N∶P atom ratio decreased along the succession gradient from 25.3 in an early stage, open water community to 13.0 in a community dominated by emergent vegetation. The data also show that the distribution of the forms of phosphorus changed with successional stage. The change in distribution and the increased biological demand for phosphorus that paralleled succession were mediated by the activity of phosphatase enzymes.     

Distribution and abundance patterns of flatfishes in the Sado estuary, Portugal

The flatfish community of the Sado estuary was studied based on beam trawl catches in six sampling areas. Temperature and salinity were recorded during surveys and sediment composition was determined at each sampling area. A total of 12 species were identified (1 Bothidae, 1 Pleuronectidae, and 10 Soleidae).Dicologoglossa hexophthalma (Bennett 1831),Microchirus ocellatus (Linnaeus 1758), andSynaptura lusitanica (Capello 1868) were new records to this estuarine system.Monochirus hispidus Rafinesque, 1814, was the most abundant species (about 80% of the total individuals caught). Community structure reflected both spatial and temporal patterns. A longitudinal abundance pattern was noticed with some species much more abundant in outer estuarine areas, namelyM. hispidus, Arnoglossus laterna (Walbaum 1792), andBuglossidium luteum (Risso 1810), while others, such asSolea solea (Linnaeus 1758) andSolea senegalensis Kaup, 1858, presented the highest densities in inner areas. Besides temperature and salinity gradients, species distribution was also influenced by sediment composition. Seasonal variation was mainly determined by the different periods of juvenile peak abundance according to the species which emphasize the role of the estuary as a nursery ground for several flatfish species.     

福建浅海潮流沙脊分布及形态特征

福建浅海海砂资源丰富,沿海岸线分布广且资源量大,主要以潮流沙脊为主。对潮流沙脊的形态和分布特征进行研究,有利于海砂资源的勘查开发以及对资源量进行合理评价。基于福建海域多波束全覆盖资料,利用ArcGIS的ArcMap对多波束资料进行配准和数据化,对区内潮流沙脊的形态特征进行初步分析。结果显示,福建浅海潮流沙脊形态上长宽分别在2.8～31.3、1.9～12.3 km之间,面积在3.7～200.9 km2之间;分布上由北往南、自西向东,走向由东西向变为北东—南西向,沙脊发育规模逐渐增大且沙质变好,近岸以粉沙为主,远岸以沙为主。对比沙脊主体长与宽,将福建浅海潮流沙脊划分为A型（长度＞10 km,宽度＞5 km）、B型（长度＞10 km,宽度＜5 km）和C型（长度＜5 km,宽度＜5 km）3种类型。综合福建浅海潮流沙脊分布及形态特征,海砂资源勘查时可优选南部远岸区域。     

A comparison of dimension-adjusted catch data methods for assessment of fish and crab abundance in intertidal salt marshes

Sample collection methods and data standardization techniques accounting for marsh physiography were tested for mobile aquatic fauna in two intertidal pocket salt marshes in Sarah’s Creek, a tributary to the York River in Virginia. Fish and blue crab populations were described and compared as numbers per cubic meter of total marsh volume and numbers per square meter of total marsh area. These methods increase the accuracy of the analyses of sampled populations by relying on fewer assumptions than traditionals random sampling methods. Depending upon the season and the species compared, statistical differences were observed between dimension-adjusted data within the same sampled populations. Our data suggest that accurate population profiles can be determined if collection methods and data adjustments are based on the ecology, behavior, and life-history stage of the target species.     

Distribution and abundance of the cownose ray,Rhinoptera bonasus,in lower Chesapeake Bay

Aerial surveys were conducted in the lower Chesapeake Bay during 1986–1989 to estimate abundance and examine the distribution of the cownose ray,Rhinoptera bonasus, during its seasonal residence, May–October. Most of the survey effort was concentrated in the lower and mid-bay regions. Cownose rays appeared uniformly distributed across the bay during mid-summer, but were more abundant in the eastern portion of the bay during migration. North-south distribution varied and reflected the general seasonal migration pattern. Mean abundance increased stepwise monthly from June through September and declined dramatically in October with their emigration from the bay. Abundance estimates from individual surveys varied. The greatest range of individual survey abundance estimates occurred in September (0–3.7×10⁷ cownose rays0 due to high variation in school size and abundance between surveys. Monthly mean cownose ray abundance ranged from 0 in May and November to an estimated maximum of 9.3×10⁶ individuals in September. The magnitude of the population suggests that the cownose ray plays an important role in the trophic dynamics of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The historical data were insufficient to determine whether the population has increased, but these surveys provided the baseline data which would allow future investigation of cownose ray population dynamics in lower Chesapeake Bay.     

Distribution and sources of phosphorus in tidal river sediments in the Washington, DC, Area

 Sediments in the rivers and basins around Washington, DC, have high concentrations of phosphorus, which, based on geographic distributions, is largely derived from urban runoff and municipal sewage. Dissolved-particulate phosphate exchange reactions and biological uptake of dissolved phosphorus from the water column may be an added source of phosphorus to the sediments. Concentrations of total sedimentary phosphorus ranged from 24 to 56 μm P/g-dw, and were highest in areas near combined sewer outfalls. As a part of this study, sedimentary phosphorus was fractionated into Fe-P, Ca-P, Al-P, and organic phases using a selective-sequential leaching procedure. The distribution of the phases in all sediments analyzed follow the order , Fe-P>Ca-P>Al-P. Spatial variations in the amounts of phosphorus in the different phases is related to the sources of phosphorus to the area. The proportions of occluded Al-P and organic P are 10–20% of the total P, respectively. This suggests that phosphorus from natural sources is small compared to anthropogenic inputs in this area. The high leachable Fe-P and Ca-P in these sediments might contribute a substantial amount of P to the water column under conditions of remobilization. Received: 20 February 1996 · Accepted: 2 April 1996     

Distribution and abundance of overwintering blue crabs,Callinectes sapidus,in the lower Chesapeake Bay

A study was conducted to define winter distribution patterns of blue crabs,Callinectes sapidus, in the lower Chesapeake Bay and to relate these patterns to environmental variation. During February 1986 a stratified random survey was conducted to examine the distribution of blue crabs with respect to three major habitat types: 1) high energy, wave- and tide-dominated, spits and shoals; 2) moderate energy, tide-dominated basins; and 3) variable energy, tide-dominated or quiescent channels (natural or cut). Each major habitat type was further stratified on the basis of location (to account for possible salinity effects), resulting in a total of 17 habitat-stratum combinations. Blue crabs exhibited significant differences in abundance among habitats. Crabs were most abundant in the basin habitat and least abundant in the shoal and spit habitat. A posteriori evaluations of abundance patterns in relation to sediment type and depth showed that crabs were significantly more abundant where sediments contained between 41 and 60% sand and at depths exceeding 9 m. The sampled population of blue crabs was dominated by mature females. There were no significant differences in crab sex ratios between habitats, but significant differences between two fixed sites sampled through the winter showed that there were proportionately more male crabs at the western site than there were at the eastern site. The observed patterns indicate that some differential habitat utilization occurs and that overwintering female crabs are found preferentially in areas characterized by moderate energy regimes and fine, but sandy sediments.     

Net aboveground primary production and soil properties of floating and attached freshwater tidal marshes in the Río de la Plata estuary,Argentina

In the lower delta of the Paraná River, at the head of the Río de la Plata estuary (Argentina), we compared net aboveground primary production (NAPP) and soil properties of the dominant macrophyteScirpus giganteus (Kunth) in a floating and an attached marsh community. Both marshes are tidally influenced but in different ways. The floating marsh site is relatively isolated from tidal influences because its ability to float makes it resistant to overland flow and to sediment inputs from the estuary. The attached marsh lacks the capacity to float and receives sediment supplies from the estuary through overland flow. These hydrologic differences are reflected in lower mineral content in sediments of the floating marsh. Using a leaf tagging technique, estimated NAPP was 1,109 ± 206 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ for the floating marsh and 1,866 ±258 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ for the attached marsh. We attribute the lower NAPP of the floating marsh to isolation from sediment input from overland flow.