Flow and sediment dynamics in migrating salinity intrusions: Fraser River estuary, Canada

The salinity intrusion in the Fraser estuary, Canada, migrates landward during the rising tide and is flushed downstream on the falling tide. Suspended sediment concentrations are higher during unstratified flows than during stratified conditions. Mixing between the upper layer and the salinity intrusion is restricted by a strong density interface on the rising tide but enhanced mixing occurs across a weak salinity gradient on the falling tide. A weakly-developed estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) and positive internal waves occur at the tip of the salinity intrusion as it migrates seaward. Spectral analyses of optical backscatter probe time series indicate that sediment movement from the upper layer is restricted by the density interface on the rising tide. During the falling tide, sediment mixing is enhanced by internal waves at the surface of the ETM. Internal waves generated at the density interface have a higher frequency during the rising tide than the falling tide.     

Distribution and abundance of hydrobiid snails in a mixed estuary and a coastal lagoon,Argentina

This study examined the environmental factors influencing the distribution and abundance of hydrobiid snails in two estuaries on the northeastern coast of Argentina in a coastal lagoon (Mar Chiquita, 37°40′S, 57°20′W) and a partially mixed estuary (Quequén Grande, 38°30′S, 58°45′W). Five intertidal study sites in each estuary represented a gradient in environmental conditions. Variations in the main environmental factors and in the abundance of hydrobiids were assessed both spatially and seasonally. The three species wereHeleobia australis, Heleobia conexa, andHeleobia parchappii, and they were primarily distributed across a salinity gradient. This pattern was clearly recognizable in the partially mixed estuary, where the abundance ofH. australis decreased as salinity decreased, and the abundance ofH. conexa gradually increased towards the inner reaches of the estuary.H. parchappii was restricted to areas far away from the influence of the tide. Slight differences in the distribution patterns of these species between Quequén Grande and Mar Chiquita were refated to the different dynamics of environmental factors in each estuary.     

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.     

Distribution and abundance of ichthyoplankton in the Manicouagan River estuary,a tributary of the lower St. Lawrence estuary

The species composition and relative abundance of ichthyoplankton were investigated during summer 1986 at four stations along the salinity gradient in the Manicouagan River estuary, a tributary of the lower St. Lawrence estuary. Physical characteristics of water masses indicated the presence of a strong saline front (>10‰ per km) delineating the freshwater and marine section of the Manicouagan estuary. The estuary supports a depauperate ichthyoplankton community, including four species of pelagic fish eggs and eight species of fish larvae. Species richness increased with salinity. The ichthyoplankton fauna can be divided into two distinct groups: freshwater and marine. These two groups result initially from spawning preferences exhibited by the different species abundance of freshwater larvae was maximal at the head of the estuary and marine larvae were most abundant at the most saline station. The length frequency distribution suggests that marine larvae are not effectively retained within the estuary. The Manicouagan estuary cannot be considered as a major spawning site nor an important nursery zone for any fish found in this area.     

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.     

Computed and observed currents,elevations, and salinity in a branching estuary

A one-dimensional, hydrodynamical model of the Tamar Estuary shows good agreement with measured tidal elevations and currents. Computed currents are used to drive a one-dimensional moving-element model of the salt balance. The moving-element model overcomes the numerical difficulties associated with strong tidal advection. Axial distributions of salinity at high water, computed using the moving-element model, compare well with measurements. The modelled and observed high water salinity distributions in this macrotidal estuary show little dependence on tidal range. The major variability in salinity is due to runoff. This strong and rapid dependence on runoff is a consequence of short residence (or flushing) times. Typically, residence times are less than one day throughout the year in the upper 10 km of estuary. The residence times maximize in summer, reaching 14 d for the whole estuary. During high runoff winter periods residence times are less than 5 d. Mixing coefficients for the moving-element salinity model are deduced from salinity measurements. Dispersion coefficients at fixed locations along the estuary are deduced from solutions of the salinity model. The spatially-averaged coefficients at mean spring and neap tides are 180 and 240 m² s^?1, respectively, for average runoff. Therefore, spring-neap variations in dispersion are fairly small and show a negative correlation with tidal range. The spatially-averaged dispersion coefficients at mean tides vary from 150 to 300 m² s^?1 for typical summer and winter runoff, respectively. The increase in dispersion with runoff and the decrease with tidal range implies that buoyancy-driven currents generate an important component of the shear dispersion in this estuary.     

Distribution of carbon in a tropical hypersaline estuary,the Casamance (Senegal,West Africa)

The Casamance estuary, on the coast of Senegal, is an inverse hypersaline estuary: salinity increases landward, and dry season salinity values are up to 172 psu due to the evaporation of seawater. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations decreased landward as a negative linear function of salinity. Thermodynamic modelling and the absence of CaCO₃ in the sediments indicate that this loss of DIC was not due to calcite precipitation in the main water body. The innermost, almost landlocked, waters contained high phytoplankton biomass (50–300 μg chl I^?1) and high concentrations of allochthonous dissolved organic carbon. Photosynthetic uptake of DIC and subsequent particulate organic carbon sedimentation is proposed as hypothetical explanation of the relationship between DIC and salinity; localized overheating in shallow waters might also be involved.     

Horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) in an urban estuary (Jamaica Bay, New York) and the potential for ecological restoration

We assessed the suitability of intertidal habitats for spawning by horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) at 12 proposed restoration sites identified by the United States Army Corps of Engineers along the shore of Jamaica Bay, a highly developed estuary in New York City. Based on beach geomorphology, we chose to quantify horseshoe crab activity at five of the sites during the May–July 2000 breeding season. Horseshoe crabs spawned intensively on small patches of suitable sand within larger areas of eroding shoreline with bulkheads and rubble fill. Small areas of sand behind grounded barges at Brant Point and Dubos Point had densities of over 100,000 eggs m⁻², which was equal to or greater than the egg densities on longer, more natural appearing beaches at Spring Creek and Dead Horse Bay, or at a sand spit at Bayswater State Park. There were no significant differences in the percentage of Jamaica Bay horseshoe crab eggs that completed development when cultured using water from Jamaica Bay or lower Delaware Bay, a less polluted location. Only 1% of the embryos from Jamaica Bay exhibited developmental anomalies, a frequency comparable to a previously studied population from Delaware Bay. We suggest that the distribution and abundance of horseshoe crabs at our study areas in Jamaica Bay is presently limited by the availability of suitable shoreline for breeding, rather than by water quality. Restoration efforts that increase the amount of sandy beach in this urban estuary have a good likelihood of benefiting horseshoe crabs and providing additional value to migrating shorebirds that use horseshoe crab eggs as food.     

Geo-feasibility of in situ sediment capping in a Great Lakes urban estuary: a sediment budget assessment

Presque Isle Bay is one of 40 remaining environmental areas of concern (AoCs) on the North American Great Lakes that have one or more water, habitat, or sediment quality impairments as defined by the International Joint Commission. In situ natural capping using sediment from to-be-remediated watersheds and other potential sources is being considered as the most feasible means of remediating an existing contaminated sediment problem at this site. A multi-decade (∼40 year) sediment budget shows that, when localized anthropogenic effects (dredging, reclamation) are discounted, the bay net-accumulated sediment over time. Sediment was supplied from three major sources: bank erosion and bluff retreat (41%), streams (25%), and the Lake Erie littoral system (20%). The non-stream sources supply environmentally clean materials from ancient beach and glacio-lacustrine deposits along the shoreline, and from the modern littoral system. Organic and metallic contaminants supplied primarily by streams and run-off remain a remediation challenge for the AoC. Geologically, natural capping of contaminants over the next several decades is a viable solution for most of the bay. The mechanism may not work effectively in all areas because approximately 25% of the bay floor is moderately net-erosional while several localized areas accumulate sediments very slowly at decadal timescales.     

Upriver migration and abundance of naked goby (Gobiosoma bosci) larvae in the Patuxent River estuary,Maryland

Larvae of the naked goby,Gobiosoma bosci, were collected during the spring and early summer of 1977 in the upper tidal Patuxent River, Maryland. Larvae first appeared in the collections on May 5. Weekly night sampling at 26 stations covering 28 km of the Patuxent illustrated the upriver movement of larvae, at an estimated rate of about 1 km per day. Larval densities quickly reached high levels, with a maximum density of more than 6,000 larvae per 100 m³ at one station on June 16. By June 23, the mean larval density for the entire 28 km stretch of the river was 1,825 larvae per 100 m³. Length-frequency distributions of the larvae illustrate the growth of the larvae, continual recruitment into the population, and a gradient in mean population length over the sampling transect that was due to the presence of the smallest larvae in the lower stations.     

Organochlorine contaminants in a coastal lagoon in Argentina: Analysis of sediment, crabs, and cordgrass from two different habitats

Burrowing crabs (Chasmagnathus granulata), sediment collected from inside and outside crab burrows as well as outside the crab bed, and cordgrass (Spartina densiflora) were collected from intertidal mudflat and cordgrass marsh habitats and analyzed for concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and organochlorine (OC) compounds to test the hypothesis that there are differences in the distribution and bioaccumulation of OC contaminants in coastal lagoon habitats in Argentina. PCB concentrations were relatively low, although the penta- and hexachlorobiphenyl detected in sediments and biota indicated that there had been direct inputs of PCBs into the ecosystem. Heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, endosulfan sulphate, chlordane compounds, DDT and metabolites, and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were the major pesticides detected in sediment and biota samples. When lipid-normalized concentration data for all OC pesticides in crabs were summed together (ΣOCC), there were higher concentrations in crabs from the cordgrass habitat in comparison to crabs from the mudflat. In sediment samples, there were no significant differences in percent organic matter of marsh and mudflat sediments, but the concentrations of ΣOCC normalized to organic carbon were higher in the sediments collected in the cordgrass marsh. Samples of rhizomes and roots from the cordgrass contained high concentrations of OC compounds and it was estimated that 2.4 kg of heptachlor epoxide, the most abundant OC pesticide, may be present in the total cordgrass root biomass in Mar Chiquita lagoon. These data indicated that the cordgrass in coastal lagoon environments is an important factor in determining the distribution of persistent contaminants, and that a significant portion of the total burden of these hydrophobic compounds may be deposited in cordgrass biomass.     

Spatial sediment variability in a tropical tide dominated estuary: Sources and drivers

Surficial sediment composition and spatial variability reflect the dynamics and level of natural and anthropogenic impact in estuarine systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate some key environmental and sedimentary variables, as well as to evaluate the current environmental quality in the tide-dominated Caravelas estuarine system (Brazil). Sixty-five surficial sediment samples were studied for grain size as well as calcium carbonate, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, metals, semi-metals and rare earth elements and for organic matter δ¹³C. Based on the spatial distribution of these data and summarizing our findings, three sectors can be individualized in the Caravelas estuarine system: i. Barra Velha inlet; ii. the main channel of the Caravelas estuary, and iii. the channel interconnecting Caravelas and Nova Viçosa estuaries. In the inlet the sedimentary organic matter is provided essentially by marine sources, which corroborates the small continental input. Freshwater dissolved organic carbon and particulate organic carbon occur in the interconnecting channel, proving the occurrence of the residual transport towards the Caravelas estuary, with continental contribution towards Caravelas River. The geochemical fingerprint indicates that the Barreiras Group, composed by Neogene terrigenous deposits, located west of the study area, as an important source of terrigenous material to the entire Caravelas estuary system. The higher values of heavy rare earth elements (between 20 and 30 mg kg⁻¹) in the northern sector of the study area may be related to the high degree of chemical weathering in magmatic or metamorphic rocks, which occur to the north of the study area.     

Distribution, abundance, and habitat characteristics of juvenile tautog (Tautoga onitis, family labridae) in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, 1988–1992

Estuarine nursery areas are critical for successful recruitment of tautog (Tautoga onitis), yet they have not been studied over most of this species' range. Distribution, abundance and habitat characteristics of young-of-the-year (YOY, age 0) and age 1+juvenile tautog were evaluated during 1988–1992 in the Narragansett Bay estuary, Rhode Island, using a 16-station, beach-seine survey. Estuary-wide abundance was similar among years. Greatest numbers of juveniles were collected at northern Narragansett Bay stations between July and September. Juvenile abundances varied with density of macroalgal and eelgrass cover; abundances ranged from 0.03 fish per 100 m² to 8.1 fish per 100 m². Although juveniles use eelgrass, macroalgae is the dominant vegetative cover in Narragansett Bay. Macroalgal habitats play a previously unrealized, important role and contribute to successful recruitment of juvenile tautog in Narragansett Bay. Juvenile abundances did not vary with sediment type or salinity, but were correlated with surface water temperature. Fish collected in June were age 1+ juveniles from the previous year-class (50–167 mm TL) and these declined in number after July or August. The appearance of YOY (25–30 mm TL) in July and August was coincident with the period of their greatest abundances. A precipitous decline in abundance occurred by October because of the individual or combined effects of mortality and movement to alternative habitats. Based on juvenile abundance, a previously unidentified spawning area was noted in Mount Hope Bay, a smaller embayment attached to the northeastern portion of Narragansett Bay. In August 1991, Hurricane Bob disrupted juvenile sise distribution and abundance, resulting in reduced numbers of YOY collected after the storm and few 1+ juveniles in 1992.     

Dispersion of salt and suspended sediment in a partly mixed estuary

Observations are presented of the transverse and vertical structure of residual water, salt and sediment transport in the upper reaches of a partly mixed estuary. Measurements were made over spring and neap tidal cycles at three sections. The residual transport for each variable exhibited a characteristic transverse structure. This structure is interpreted in terms of fundamental physical processes. The results are used to estimate the relative importance of transverse shear, vertical shear and tidal pumping to the axial dispersion of salt and sediment.     

Phytoplankton biomass in a subtropical estuary: Distribution,size composition,and carbon:Chlorophyll ratios

The seasonal pattern of phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll and particulate organic carbon) and the salinity-related pattern of phytoplankton biomass and size composition were determined in Apalachicola Bay, Florida, throughout 2004. Phytoplankton biomass was highest during summer and lowest during winter. During summer, phytoplankton biomass was highest in waters with salinity between about 5 and 23. In waters between 5 and 23, phytoplankton biomass was primarily (> 50%) composed of < 5 μm cells. The results from this study support the idea that a microbial food web characterizes mass and energy flow through the planktonic food web in Apalachicola Bay and other estuaries. During winter, the carbonxhlorophylla ratio averaged 56 ± 60 (standard deviation). During summer, the ratio ranged from 23 to 345, with highest values occurring in waters with salinity between about 8 and 22. The carbonxhlorophylla ratio was positively related to the percent of chlorophyll < 5 μm in size during summer.     

Distribution and habitat partitioning of immature bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in a Southwest Florida estuary

The distribution and salinity preference of immature bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) were examined based on the results of longline surveys in three adjacent estuarine habitats in southwest Florida: the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay, and Pine Island Sound. Mean sizes were significantly different between each of these areas indicating the occurrence of size-based habitat partitioning. Neonate and young-of-the-year animals occurred in the Caloosahatchee River and juveniles older than 1 year occurred in the adjacent embayments. Habitat partitioning may reduce intraspecific predation risk and increase survival of young animals. Classification tree analysis showed that both temperature and salinity were important factors in determining the occurrence and catch per unit effort (CPUE) of immatureC. leucas. The CPUE of <1 year oldC. leucas was highest at temperatures over 29°C and in areas with salinities between 7‰ and 17.5‰ Although they are able to osmoregulate in salinities from fresh to fully marine, youngC. leucas may have a salinity preference. Reasons for this preference are unknown, but need to be further investigated.     

Habitat use,temporal abundance variability,and diet of blue crabs from a New Jersey estuarine system

In a long-term, spatially comprehensive beam trawl survey of the Navesink River-Sandy Hook Bay estuary, the blue crabCallinectes sapidus was one of the most abundant species. Seasonal changes in abundance were evident, with low abundances in summer followed by peak abundances in the fall, after juveniles recruited to the estuary. We saw no long-term trends in abundance during the 5 yr study. Location in the navesink River or Sandy Hook Bay explained most of the variance in abundance within any one survey. In diet analyses, we found evidence of cannibalism in all seasons, but in the size range of crabs caught in this study (10–180 mm), we did not find a relationship between cannibalism and juvenile crab abundance. Within surveys, crabs divided into 20 mm size categories showed no sizerelated differences in location within the estuary or among 7 habitat types examined (algae bed, amphipod bed, beach, channel, marsh edge, mid-depth, and sandbar). Channels and sandbars tended to exhibit lower crab abundance than other habitats. Shallow habitats with and without cover were equally preferred by juvenile blue crabs, implying that the presence of structure was not critical. Spatial models of crab abundance (<- 80 mm carapace width) to environmental data were fit from several seasons of intensive sampling in the Navesink River-Sandy Hook Bay estuary between summer 1996 and spring 1998. These models indicated that fine-grained sediments, tmmperature, depth, and salinity were good indicators of crab abundance in spring, summer, and fall. Using these spatial models and environmental data collected in subsequent seasons (summer 1998−fall 1999), we were able to predict blue crab abundance in the river as evidenced by significant correlations between predicted and observed abundances. For the size range of crabs examined here, physical conditions may be as important as structural habitat types or cannibalism in determining habitat use in northerly estuaries.     

The abundance and diversity of larval and juvenile fish in a tropical estuary

The larval and juvenile fish of the Cayenne river estuary (French Guiana, South America) were sampled at two stations from June 1989 until October 1990. A total of 52,989 individuals from 59 species, some still incompletely identified, were collected. Three families, Engraulidae, Gobiidae and Sciaenidae, accounted for over 97% of the total number of juveniles. The analysis of data over this period showed low diversity, and a difference in diversity between the two sampling locations (H′ = 1.24 and 1.68). The results conform to some theoretical models of abundance that suggest a relative equilibrium of juvenile assemblages. In contrast, the seasonal variations in diversity and abundance and the results of a correspondence analysis showed significant differences in species distribution and in their relative abundance at the two sampling locations at certain periods, mainly in the rainy season. Our study indicates that, in spite of an apparent stability, the year to year variation in salinity and freshwater inputs could affect juvenile recruitment of some species and induces modifications in the composition of larval and juvenile estuarine fish assemblages.     

Fine sediment transport and accumulations at the mouth of the Seine estuary (France)

A comprehensive study of fine sediment transport in the macrotidal Seine estuary has been conducted, including observations of suspended particulate matter (SPM), surficial sediment, and bathymetric data, as well as use of a three dimensional mathematical model. Tide, river regime, wind, and wave forcings are accounted. The simulated turbidity maximum (TM) is described in terms of concentration and location according to tidal amplitude and the discharge of the Seine River. The TM is mainly generated by tidal pumping, but can be concentrated or stretched by the salinity front. The computed deposition patterns depend on the TM location and are seasonally dependent. The agreement with observations is reasonable, although resuspension by waves may be overestimated. Although wave resuspension is likely to increase the TM mass, it generally occurs simultaneously with westerly winds that induce a transverse circulation at the mouth of the estuary and then disperse the suspended material. The resulting effect is an output of material related to wind and wave events, more than to high river discharge. The mass of the computed TM remains stable over 6 months and independent of the river regime, depending mainly on the spring tide amplitude. Computed fluxes at different cross-sections of the lower estuary show the shift to the TM according to the river flow and point out the rapidity of the TM adjustment to any change of river discharge. The time for renewing the TM by riverine particles has been estimated to be one year.     

Planktonic and whole system metabolism in a nutrient-rich estuary (the Scheldt estuary)

Planktonic gross primary production (GPP), community respiration (CR), and nitrification (NIT) were measured monthly in the Scheldt estuary by the oxygen incubation method in 2003. No significant evolution of planktonic GPP was observed since the 1990s with high rates in the freshwater area (salinity 0; 97±65 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹) decreasing seaward (22–37 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹). A significant decrease of NIT was observed with regard to previous investigations although this process still represents up to 20% of total organic matter production in the inner estuary. Planktonic CR was highest in the inner estuary and seemed to be mainly controlled by external organic matter inputs. Planktonic net community production was negative most of the time in the estuary with values ranging from −300 to 165 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹. Whole estuary net ecosystem production (NEP) was investigated on an annual scale using the results mentioned above and published benthic metabolic rates. A NEP of −39±8 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ was estimated, which confirms the strong heterotrophic status of this highly nutrified estuary. NEP rates were computed from June to December 2003 to compare with results derived from the Land-Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone budgeting procedure applied to dissolved inorganic phosphorus and carbon (DIP and DIC). DIP budgets failed to provide realistic estimates in the inner estuary where abiotic processes account for more than 50% of the nonconservative DIP flux. DIC budgets predicted a much lower NEP than in situ incubations (−109±31 versus −42±9 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹) although, as each approach is associated with several critical assumptions, the source of this discrepancy remains unclear.