Ecology of irregularly flooded salt marshes of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico: a community profile

Technical Report · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5031836

Stout, J P

The salt marshes of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico are distinguished by irregular flooding, low energy wave and tidal action, and long periods of exposure. The plant community is most often dominated by black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus), the species of focus in this synthesis. Distinct marsh zones include those dominated by Juncus and Spartina alterniflora at low elevations, sparsely vegetated salt flats, and higher elevation salt meadows of Juncus and Spartina patens. A diverse microbial and algal assemblage is also present. A diverse fauna has adapted to the physical rigors of these marshes. Zooplankton are dominated by the larvae of fiddler crabs and other decapods. The meiofauna consist primarily of nematodes and harpacticoid copepods. Macroinvertebrates are represented by crustaceans (especially mollusks and crabs), annelids, and insects. Grass shrimp, blue crabs, and other crustaceans are seasonally abundant in marsh creeks, as are a number of resident and migratory fish species. Birds comprise one of the larger herbivore groups and are also significant at higher tropic levels as top carnivores. Muskrat and nutria are important mammals. 43 figs., 38 tabs.

• Research Organization: Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium, Dauphin Island, AL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5031836
• Report Number(s): FWS/OBS-85(7.1); ON: TI86900237
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
COASTAL REGIONS
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GRASS
GULF OF MEXICO
INVERTEBRATES
MARSHES
MINERAL CYCLING
PLANKTON
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
VERTEBRATES
WETLANDS
ZOOPLANKTON