The effects of proximity to a subtidal channel on habitat utilization of intertidal oyster reefs
- UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Stephen J. Artabane (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
- Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
- Advisor
- Martin Posey
Abstract: Habitat use may differ with certain landscape characteristics such as patch quality
and size, the presence of corridors, the connectivity of the landscape, and proximity to
other habitats. In estuarine systems, intertidal oyster reefs are an important habitat whose
functions may be explained by landscape theories. Proximity to other structured habitat
has been shown to affect utilization of oyster reefs by both resident and transient species.
Reef proximity to subtidal channels and upper intertidal areas, the source areas for
transient and resident fauna, respectively, may be an important factor affecting reef
utilization. This study tested whether proximity to subtidal channels influenced
utilization of intertidal oyster reefs and whether microhabitat utilization varied within
reef edge areas. Enhanced densities of finfish and decapods were seen around reefs at all
distances compared with unstructured sandflats. Total abundances were higher over the
reef interface (sand edges) compared to over shell, however smaller individuals of
dominant species (juvenile Lagodon rhomboides and juvenile Leiostomus xanthurus)
were found using reef interior shell to a greater extent than larger individuals, which used
sand edge and sandflat areas. Reef residents showed no variation in abundance based on
distance from a channel. Fundulus heteroclitus and larval L. rhomboides were the only
transient species to show a distance effect, with higher abundances at reefs nearest the
subtidal channel. Certain infaunal taxa were more abundant closer to channel, and total
infaunal abundance was lower around reefs compared with sandflat areas in August 2005.
Results indicate continuous use of reefs during tidal submergence by transients and few
distance effects on associated fauna. Although patch location may not be an important consideration for restoration and management of intertidal oyster reefs over the scale
examined, the presence of reefs provides habitat for associated fauna between subtidal
channels and higher intertidal areas.
The effects of proximity to a subtidal channel on habitat utilization of intertidal oyster reefs
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Created on 1/1/2009
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Science
- Language: English
- Date: 2009
- Keywords
- Estuarine animals--Habitat--North Carolina, Oysters--Ecology--North Carolina, Oysters--Habitat--North Carolina
- Subjects
- Oysters -- Habitat -- North Carolina
- Oysters -- Ecology -- North Carolina
- Estuarine animals -- Habitat -- North Carolina