RESTORING COASTAL HABITAT USING MARSH TERRACING: THE EFFECT OF CELL SIZE ON NEKTON USE

摘要: Marsh terracing is used to restore coastal wetlands by converting shallow nonvegetated bottom intertidal marsh. Terraces are constructed from excavated sediments, and commonly arranged in a checkerboard pattern of square cells with open corners form terrace fields. In 1999, three sizes (large = 122 m sides 1.30 ha ponds; medium 61 0.29 small 30 0.06 ponds) were incorporated into restoration project at Galveston Island State Park, Texas, USA. This provided an opportunity examine how nekton populations the cost effectiveness projects vary cell size. We compared density biomass (as measures habitat value) marsh water types among also value these fields area before construction, nearby bottom, natural habitat. Nekton abundance increased substantially following terracing. An analysis post-construction samples detected few statistically significant differences animal or between terraced areas adjacent habitats. Within cells, density, biomass, species richness generally higher vegetation than over bottom. Using data, GIS, population models for selected fishery species, we show that most increase as size decreases. However, decreases, construction increases much faster Therefore, large would be more effective providing terraces composed cells.