University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Using macrofaunal communities to inform estuarine classification

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 01:21 authored by Jason Beard, Moltschaniwskyj, NA, Christine CrawfordChristine Crawford, Gibson, JAE, Donald RossDonald Ross
Worldwide, geomorphological classifications of estuaries are often used to guide the design of monitoring programs and management strategies. However, if classifications do not reflect biotic patterns, the effectiveness of monitoring and management is potentially reduced. In this study, we consider the effectiveness of one classification scheme in describing biotic patterns by examining and comparing spatial variation of macrofaunal assemblages and their relationship with the environment in 12 estuaries of 2 geomorphological types (mesotidal river dominated and permanently open barrier estuaries). Estuaries were sampled at three locations (upper, mid and lower) for macroinvertebrates and environmental characteristics. Differences in macrofaunal assemblages occurred between the estuary types at the lower and mid locations, but not the upper. Similarities in the upper locations were related to sediment, whereas at the mid and lower locations differences were linked to salinity, dissolved oxygen concentrations and seagrass area. Within estuaries, location effects were definitive and unique within each estuary type, correlating to changes in sediment particle size, nitrogen concentration, microphytobenthos and percentage organic carbon. These results suggest that estuarine classification based on physical attributes alone does have the potential to capture important biological attributes if the biological scales of variability within these systems are well understood.

History

Publication title

Marine and Freshwater Research

Volume

70

Pagination

371-381

ISSN

1323-1650

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

C S I R O Publishing

Place of publication

150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia, Victoria, 3066

Rights statement

Copyright 2019 CSIRO

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC