Restored freshwater flow and estuarine benthic communities in the northern Gulf of Mexico: research trends and future needs

PeerJ

article

Jillian C. Tupitza¹  Cassandra N. Glaspie¹ 

[1] Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College

关键词: Benthic communities;    Sediment diversions;    Estuarine;    River connectivity;    Restored freshwater flow;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.8587

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Restoring river connectivity to rebuild and sustain land is a promising restoration strategy in coastal areas experiencing rapid land loss, such as the Mississippi river delta. Results of these large-scale hydrologic changes are preliminary, and there exists limited empirical evidence regarding how benthic communities will respond, specifically in Barataria Bay and Breton Sound in southeast Louisiana. In this review, the body of existing research in this geographic region pertaining to the drivers of benthic community response that are related to restored freshwater flow and sediment deposition is examined. Overall trends include (1) potential displacement of some species down-estuary due to reduced salinities; (2) temporary lower diversity in areas closest to the inflow; (3) increased benthic production along the marsh edge, and in tidal bayous, as a result of nutrient loading; (4) more habitat coverage in the form of submerged aquatic vegetation; and (5) reduced predation pressure from large and/or salinity-restricted predators. These trends highlight opportunities for future research that should be conducted before large-scale hydrologic changes take place.

【 授权许可】

CC BY