Monitoring nekton as a bioindicator in shallow estuarine habitats
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
1-1-2003
Abstract
Long-term monitoring of estuarine nekton has many practical and ecological benefits but efforts are hampered by a lack of standardized sampling procedures. This study provides a rationale for monitoring nekton in shallow (< 1 m), temperate, estuarine habitats and addresses some important issues that arise when developing monitoring protocols. Sampling in seagrass and salt marsh habitats is emphasized due to the susceptibility of each habitat to anthropogenic stress and to the abundant and rich nekton assemblages that each habitat supports. Extensive sampling with quantitative enclosure traps that estimate nekton density is suggested. These gears have a high capture efficiency in most habitats and are small enough (e.g., 1 m2) to permit sampling in specific microhabitats. Other aspects of nekton monitoring are discussed, including spatial and temporal sampling considerations, station selection, sample size estimation, and data collection and analysis. Developing and initiating long-term nekton monitoring programs will help evaluate natural and human-induced changes in estuarine nekton over time and advance our understanding of the interactions between nekton and the dynamic estuarine environment.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Volume
81
Issue
1-3
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Raposa, Kenneth B., Charles T. Roman, and James F. Heltshe. "Monitoring nekton as a bioindicator in shallow estuarine habitats." Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 81, 1-3 (2003). doi: 10.1023/A:1021389327224.