Effects of tidal currents on meiofauna densities in vegetated salt marsh sediments

The effect of tidal currents on densities of mud-dwelling meiofauna in natural vegetated sediments is unknown. To test for an effect, replicate core samples were collected at low (air exposed), flood, slack high and ebb tide from an intertidal Spartina alterniflora marsh. Emergence traps were set to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine ecology. Progress series (Halstenbek) 1984-01, Vol.19 (1/2), p.49-53
Main Authors: Fleeger, J. W., Chandler, G. T., Fitzhugh, G. R., Phillips, F. E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal traps
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Brackish water ecosystems
Copepoda
Current density
Fauna
Floods
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Marine
Marshes
Nauplii
Nematoda
Nematodes
RESEARCH PAPERS
Salt marshes
Sediments
Spartina alterniflora
Synecology
Taxa
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Summary:The effect of tidal currents on densities of mud-dwelling meiofauna in natural vegetated sediments is unknown. To test for an effect, replicate core samples were collected at low (air exposed), flood, slack high and ebb tide from an intertidal Spartina alterniflora marsh. Emergence traps were set to determine if benthic species occur in suspension. Meiofauna were present but not abundant in all emergence traps. For most taxa, highest sediment densities were at low tide, and lowest densities were on the ebbing tide when current velocities were highest. Densities were significantly lower on the ebbing tide compared to low tide for nematodes, copepod nauplii and for 3 of the 6 most abundant copepod species. Tidal currents passing among S. alterniflora culms are sufficient to affect meiofauna densities by suspending individuals above vegetated sediments. However, behavior and life-style of individual copepod species must determine which species will be affected.
ISSN:0171-8630
1616-1599
DOI:10.3354/meps019049