An Estuarine Habitat Classification for a Complex Fjordal Island Archipelago

摘要: Spatial patterns of estuarine biota suggest that some nearshore ecosystems are functionally linked to interacting processes the ocean, watershed, and coastal geomorphology. The classification estuaries can therefore provide important information for distribution studies biodiversity. However, many existing classifications too coarse-scaled resolve subtle environmental differences may significantly alter biological structure. We developed an objective three-tier spatially nested classification, then conducted a case study in Alexander Archipelago Southeast Alaska, USA, tested statistical association observed changes classes. At level 1, coarsest scale (100–1000’s km2), we used sea surface temperature salinity identify marine domains. 2, within each domain, fjordal land masses were subdivided into watersheds (10–100’s km2), 17 estuary classes identified based on similar exposure, river discharge, glacier volume, snow accumulation. 3, finest (1–10’s km2), homogeneous (depths <10 m) segments characterized by one 35 benthic habitat types ShoreZone mapping system. aerial surveys imagery also provided comprehensive inventories 19 taxa. These combined with six anadromous species relative measure Results (1) attributes have communities, (2) biodiversity increases predictably increasing complexity, decreasing freshwater. results implications management ecologically sensitive estuaries.