Variation and evaluation of coastal salt marshes

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Environ. Manage.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7027973

Oviatt, C A; Nixon, S W; Garber, J

Salt marshes at 10 intertidal sites along the Rhode Island coast were sampled and compared in terms of the relative standing crop and height of tall Spartina alterniflora, density of shoots, seed production and size, fish populations, and abundance of grass shrimp, fiddler crabs, insects, and birds. The marshes ranged from 0.49-62.61 ha and included fringe marsh in dense urban developments and unspoiled waterfowl preserves in rural isolation. Results indicate little, if any, correlation between visual aesthetic perceptions of a marsh and its ecological characteristics, and data suggest that ecological rating systems will not provide a reliable tool for managing coastal wetlands. (3 graphs, 1 map, 10 photos, 23 references, 5 tables)

• Research Organization: Univ of Rhode Isl
• OSTI ID: 7027973
• Journal Information: Environ. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Manage.; (United States) Vol. 1:3; ISSN EMNGD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ARTHROPODS
BASELINE ECOLOGY
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOMASS
BIRDS
COASTAL REGIONS
CRUSTACEANS
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
FISHES
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
NORTH ATLANTIC REGION
POPULATION DYNAMICS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RHODE ISLAND
SHRIMP
VERTEBRATES