Impact of Berm Breaching on Hyperbenthic Macroinvertebrate Communities in Intermittently Closed Estuaries

摘要: Berm breaching of intermittently closed estuaries, either naturally or due to management practices, results in a physicochemical disturbance the flushing water, material and biota into ocean subsequent tidal influx. In 2007 2008 comparative controlled studies were employed three New Zealand estuaries: Sawmill Creek (46°04′ S 170°12′ E), Otokia (45°57′ 179°20′ E) Kaikorai Lagoon (45°56′ 170°23′ investigate impact berm on hyperbenthic macroinvertebrate community estuaries. Significant changes structure occurred both weekly (ANOSIM P < 0.01). Furthermore, catch per unit effort total key invertebrate taxa significantly increased after (ANOVA However, substantial numbers individuals expelled (5,800 individuals, 20-min sample) while new immigrated Along with migration-related structure, breaches also resulted loss ∼80% inundated habitat concentration existing populations. Consequently, intermittent estuary connections has implications for ecology individual, managed estuaries regional coastal populations epibenthic invertebrates.