The consequences of scale: assessing the distribution of benthic populations in a complex estuarine fjord

Dethier, Megan N.; Schoch, G. Carl

doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2004.08.021

Cited by 59 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Our results for pebble-sand beaches in the Puget Sound estuary show that there are distinct and persistent trends in biomass that parallel the previously described (Dethier and Schoch 2005) trend in species richness from the inner (more enclosed) end to the outer (more marine) end. The gradients in both parameters are towards much higher values at the marine end, unlike in some estuaries where diversity and biomass show opposite patterns (Giberto et al, 2004).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

“…Against this complex backdrop, we chose three of the sampling sites studied previously by Dethier and Schoch (2005) that spanned most (83 km) of the overall estuarine gradient: one site (Budd) in southern (inner) Puget Sound, one (Brown) in south-central, and one (Carkeek) in north-central (Fig. 1).…”

Section: Study Sites and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Biotic diversity predictably declines from the outer towards the inner portions of estuaries (Attrill 2002, Dethier and Schoch 2005and refs. therein, Rutger and Wing 2006 but because of the problem of co-variance of many estuarine gradients, determination of key forcing processes has been elusive.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…striking differences in grain size, or along a complete freshwater to marine salinity gradient (e.g., Hirst 2004). In a previous study (Dethier and Schoch 2005) we assessed community structure patterns using a hierarchical sampling design for 45 beaches in Puget Sound, Washington, a fjordal estuary with much more constrained physical gradients. We controlled several key variables by working only at one tidal 4 height and only in pebble-sand beaches with no apparent pollution issues.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Restricted ranges in physical factors may constitute subtle stressors for estuarine biota

Dethier

Ruesink

Berry

et al. 2010

Marine Environmental Research

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Biotic trends along estuarine gradients can be affected by co-varying processes ranging from large-scale oceanographic to local-scale physico-chemical effects. As a baseline for future process studies, we investigated the distinct gradients in species richness and biomass in pebblesand shorelines along the estuarine axis of Puget Sound, and the scales of variation of some of their physical correlates. Higher richness and biomass at beaches at the more marine end of the Sound are temporally consistent and seen in all trophic groups. Variables that correlate with biotic patterns include relatively subtle increases in beach surface and sediment temperatures and decreases in nearshore salinity near the head of the estuary, but not more localized parameters such as sediment grain size or porewater salinity. To understand whether these variables are true forcing functions of community structure, we are performing experimental work.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

Section: Study Sites and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Restricted ranges in physical factors may constitute subtle stressors for estuarine biota

Dethier

Ruesink

Berry

et al. 2010

Marine Environmental Research

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“…Several physical variables (e.g., variations in the tidal levels, extent of wave exposure, slope of the shore and substrate heterogeneity) and biological parameters (e.g., predation, herbivory and competition) can influence the distribution of organisms in the intertidal zone (LittLe & KitChing, 1996;rAffAeLLi & hAwKins, 1999;BenedettiCeCChi et al, 2000b;dethier & sChoCh, 2005;MurrAy et al, 2006). These factors determine the non-homogeneous spatial distribution of intertidal communities.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Temporal and spatial variation of rocky shores intertidal benthic communities in Southeast Brazil

Zamprogno

Fernandes

2012

Iheringia, Sér. Zool.

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ABSTRACT. The relationships between environmental factors and temporal and spatial variations of benthic communities of three rocky shores of the state of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil, were studied. Sampling was conducted every three months, from August 2006 to May 2007, using intersection points. Chthamalus bisinuatus (Pilsbry, 1916) (Crustacea) and Brachidontes spp. (Mollusca) were the most abundant taxa, occupying the upper level of the intertidal zone of the rocky shore. The species richness was higher at the lower levels. The invasive species Isognomon bicolor (C. B. Adams, 1845) (Mollusca) occurred at low densities in the studied areas. The clustering analysis dendrogram indicated a separation of communities based on exposed and sheltered areas. According to the variance analyses, the communities were significantly different among the studied areas and seasons. The extent of wave exposure and shore slope influenced the species variability. The Setibão site showed the highest diversity and richness, most likely due to greater wave exposure. The communities showed greater variation in the lower levels where environmental conditions were less severe, relative to the other levels. Pilsbry, 1916 (Crustacea) e Brachidontes spp. (Mollusca) foram os táxons mais abundantes, ocupando os níveis superiores da zona entremarés dos costões. Nas zonas inferiores ocorreu um maior número de espécies. A espécie invasora Isognomon bicolor (C.B. Adams, 1845) (Mollusca) ocorreu em baixa cobertura nas áreas estudadas. O dendrograma indicou a separação das amostras das áreas expostas e abrigadas. Segundo os resultados das análises de variância, as comunidades foram significativamente diferentes entre as áreas e as estações do ano. O grau de exposição às ondas e a inclinação do costão influenciaram a variabilidade de espécies. Setibão apresentou os maiores índices de diversidade e de riqueza, provavelmente devido à maior exposição às ondas. As comunidades apresentaram maiores variações nos níveis inferiores, onde as condições ambientais são menos estressantes em relação aos outros níveis. KEYWORDS. PALAVRAS-CHAVE.Médio litoral, exposição às ondas, bentos, Espírito Santo.

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Subtidal macrozoobenthic assemblages along the River Minho estuarine gradient (north‐west Iberian Peninsula)

Sousa

Dias

Freitas

et al. 2007

Aquatic Conservation

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ABSTRACT1. The community composition and spatial distribution of the macrobenthic fauna in relation to abiotic factors was investigated at 20 sites along the River Minho estuarine gradient, in the north-west Iberian Peninsula.2. A total of 68 taxa were identified and the non-indigenous invasive species Corbicula fluminea dominated both numerically (43.1%) and by biomass (97.7%).3. Multivariate analysis identified spatial differences in structure and composition of assemblages and suggests a continuum between five distinct assemblages along the length of the estuary. This situation fits the two-ecocline model in which an ecocline from the sea to mid-estuary overlaps with an ecocline from freshwater to mid-estuary.4. Each assemblage was found in a particular physico-chemical environment and had a specific composition. The distribution and diversity patterns were linked to salinity. However, inside each assemblage the sediment characteristics (granulometry and organic matter content) played an important role.5. The highest abundances, biomasses and total species numbers were recorded from upstream freshwater tidal areas, indicating the importance of these habitats within estuarine ecosystems.

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The consequences of scale: assessing the distribution of benthic populations in a complex estuarine fjord

Cited by 59 publications

References 37 publications

Restricted ranges in physical factors may constitute subtle stressors for estuarine biota

Restricted ranges in physical factors may constitute subtle stressors for estuarine biota

Temporal and spatial variation of rocky shores intertidal benthic communities in Southeast Brazil

Subtidal macrozoobenthic assemblages along the River Minho estuarine gradient (north‐west Iberian Peninsula)

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