Research Interests:
Destruction of tidal wetlands has led to a growing interest in the restoration and creation of new wedand habitat. However, while natural stands of vegetation have been successfully duplicated, less is understood about the establishment... more
Destruction of tidal wetlands has led to a growing interest in the restoration and creation of new wedand habitat. However, while natural stands of vegetation have been successfully duplicated, less is understood about the establishment of faunal communities in created or restored tidal marshes. Infauna, which may form an important link between detrltul production and commercially important finfish and decapods, have received limited attention in vege- tated marsh habitats. We examined the infauna, changes in vegetation composition, and selected physical parameters in created marshes of different ages. Infauna were sampled using standard core sampling techniques. Vegetation compo- sition and changes in relative abundance were observed using plot-point techniques. Vegetation plots indicated ongoing replacement of Spartina alterniflora by Sehoenopleaus robuaus, a pattern supported by comparisons of vegetation at one of the sites to that reported in a previous study, lnfauna exhibited ...
Research Interests:
... Jacques van Montfrans, Charles E. Epifanio, David M. Knott, Romuald N. Lipcius, David J. Mense, Karen S. Metcalf, Eugene J. Olmi III, Robert J. Orth ... were used in an orthogonal analysis to examine the effects of year and lunar... more
... Jacques van Montfrans, Charles E. Epifanio, David M. Knott, Romuald N. Lipcius, David J. Mense, Karen S. Metcalf, Eugene J. Olmi III, Robert J. Orth ... were used in an orthogonal analysis to examine the effects of year and lunar quarter (I = the week of the new moon beginning on ...
Research Interests:
ix, 119 leaves : ill., maps ; 28 cm Notes Typescript Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 1985 Includes vita and abstract Bibliography: leaves 108-119 Another copy on microfilm is located in Archives
Research Interests:
Destruction of tidal wetlands has led to a growing interest in the restoration and creation of new wetland habitat. However, while natural stands of vegetation have been successfully duplicated, less is understood about the establishment... more
Destruction of tidal wetlands has led to a growing interest in the restoration and creation of new wetland habitat. However, while natural stands of vegetation have been successfully duplicated, less is understood about the establishment of faunal communities in created or restored tidal marshes. Infauna, which may form an important link between detrital production and commercially important finfish and decapods, have received limited attention in vege- tated marsh habitats. We examined the infauna, changes in vegetation composition, and selected physical parameters in created marshes of different ages. Infauna were sampled using standard core sampling techniques. Vegetation compo- sition and changes in relative abundance were observed using plot-point techniques. Vegetation plots indicated ongoing replacement of Spartina alterniflora by Schoenoplectus robustus, a pattern supported by comparisons of vegetation at one of the sites to that reported in a previous study. Infauna exhibit...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We quantified variability in daily settlement of blue crab postlarvae (megalopae) on identical artificial settlement substrates at up to 6 sites concurrently over a broad geographic expanse (~1300 km) of the western North Atlantic... more
We quantified variability in daily settlement of blue crab postlarvae (megalopae) on identical artificial settlement substrates at up to 6 sites concurrently over a broad geographic expanse (~1300 km) of the western North Atlantic (Delaware-South Carolina, USA). The 4-year study encompassed the blue crab recruitment season (generally July-November) from 1989-1992. Regional settlement was characterized by: (1) constant low levels of daily settlement punctuated by significantly non-random, episodic peaks of variable duration and intensity with peaks collectively accounting for at least half the total annual settlement at a site; (2) spatial and temporal variability leading to a general lack of coherence between sites in a given year and across years within a site; (3) occasional coherence in patterns between sites during a given year, suggesting linkages in regional processes affecting settlement; and, (4) significant semilunar patterns of episodic settlement pulses at the York River ...
Research Interests:
... impacts. Ecological Applications 9:350-362. Mallin, MA, MH Posey, ML Moser, MR McIver, TD Alphin, SH Ensign, GC Shank and JF Merritt. 1999b. ... Marine Ecology Progress Series 61: 233-244. Whitehurst,LT and BI Lindsey. 1990. The ...
Ecosystem-level impacts of two hurricane seasons were compared several years after the storms in the largest lagoonal estuary in the U.S., the Albemarle–Pamlico Estuarine System. A segmented linear regression flow model was developed to... more
Ecosystem-level impacts of two hurricane seasons were compared several years after the storms in the largest lagoonal estuary in the U.S., the Albemarle–Pamlico Estuarine System. A segmented linear regression flow model was developed to compare mass-water transport and nutrient loadings to a major artery, the Neuse River Estuary (NRE), and to estimate mean annual versus storm-related volume delivery to the NRE and Pamlico Sound. Significantly less water volume was delivered by Hurricane Fran (1996), but massive fish kills occurred in association with severe dissolved oxygen deficits and high contaminant loadings (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, suspended solids, and fecal bacteria). The high water volume of the second hurricane season (Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, and Irene in 1999) delivered generally comparable but more dilute contaminant loads, and no major fish kills were reported. There were no discernable long-term adverse impacts on water quality. Populations of undesirable or...
Research Interests: Environmental Science, Medicine, Multidisciplinary, Seasonality, Disasters, and 15 moreNorth Carolina, Animals, Fishes, Regression Analysis, Blue Crab, Ecosystem, Estuary, Fresh water, Dissolved Oxygen, Nutrient Loading, Interaction effect, Seasons, Linear Regression, Total Nitrogen, and Total Phosphorus
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Biology, Ecology, Biological Sciences, Colonization, Environmental Sciences, and 14 moreHabitat, North Carolina, Habitat Selection, Fragmentation, Body Size, Patch Size, Spatial Scale, Habitat fragmentation, Experimental, Functional Group, Interaction effect, Zostera Marina, Large Scale, and Crassostrea virginica
Research Interests: Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Coastal Management, Biomass, Environmental Management, and 15 moreEconomic Development, Clay Minerals, Biological Sciences, Affirmative Action, Aquatic Ecosystem, Environmental Sciences, Anthropogenic Disturbance, Community Structure, Environmental protection, Environmental Impact, Chesapeake Bay, Dissolved Oxygen, Benthic Communities, Bay, and Anas Platyrhynchos
Research Interests:
Intertidal reefs comprised of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) have long experienced habitat loss, altering habitat patch characteristics of size and distance from edge to interior, potentially influencing spatial dynamics of... more
Intertidal reefs comprised of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) have long experienced habitat loss, altering habitat patch characteristics of size and distance from edge to interior, potentially influencing spatial dynamics of host-parasite relationships. Using two parasitic relationships, one between eastern oyster host and parasitic oyster pea crab (Zaops ostreum) and the other between a xanthid crab (Eurypanopeus depressus) and a parasitic rhizocephalan barnacle (Loxothylacus panopaei), we examined how host-parasite population characteristics varied on intertidal reefs by season, reef size, and distance from edge to interior. Pea crab prevalence was more related to habitat characteristics rather than host density, as pea crab prevalence was the highest on large reefs and along edges, areas of comparatively lower oyster densities. Reef size did not influence densities of parasitized or non-parasitized xanthid crabs, but densities varied from edge to interior. Non-parasiti...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program (CORMP) is a research program and observing system in the coastal ocean off the Carolinas. The program is funded by NOAA to provide an inter-disciplinary science-based framework that... more
The Coastal Ocean Research and Monitoring Program (CORMP) is a research program and observing system in the coastal ocean off the Carolinas. The program is funded by NOAA to provide an inter-disciplinary science-based framework that supports sound public policy, wise coastal use, sustainable fisheries and improved coastal ocean ecosystem health.\Core variables of CORMP's monitoring efforts include: physical processes (meteorological and
Research Interests:
Placement of sand on coastal beaches (nourishment) has been used to reduce losses from storm erosion and barrier island movement, with sediment coming from a variety of potential sources including offshore borrow areas. We examined... more
Placement of sand on coastal beaches (nourishment) has been used to reduce losses from storm erosion and barrier island movement, with sediment coming from a variety of potential sources including offshore borrow areas. We examined recovery of benthic fauna in an offshore borrow area as well as long-term patterns of community dominance and responses to storm disturbance. Benthic fauna were sampled in a borrow and a control site 2 years before and 2 years after sediment removal (1995-1999). Video surveys from an ROV were used to examine sedimentation effects on hardbottom habitats. Less than 30% of taxa exhibited differences between borrow and control sites at any time and only 2 of 29 numerically dominant species showed emergent site differences after sediment removal. Strongest effects were related to temporal variations in abundance with some species exhibiting seasonal variations in abundance, some taxa exhibiting single periods of higher abundance, and other taxa exhibiting more...
Species introductions have provided a valuable source of information for understanding the factors that regulate community composition. However, the effect of such introductions has often been obscured by a lack of information on... more
Species introductions have provided a valuable source of information for understanding the factors that regulate community composition. However, the effect of such introductions has often been obscured by a lack of information on distribution and abundance patterns ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Abstract: Seasonal variation in physical disturbance is an important selective agent for benthos in temperate intertidal and shallow-water habitats. However, severe storms provide an unpredictable source of mortality for benthic organisms... more
Abstract: Seasonal variation in physical disturbance is an important selective agent for benthos in temperate intertidal and shallow-water habitats. However, severe storms provide an unpredictable source of mortality for benthic organisms and may strongly influence ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Crustacea, Aquaculture, Multidisciplinary, Crustacea Decapoda, Insecticides, and 14 morePolychaeta, Animals, Field Experiment, Mollusca, North America, Washington, Benthos, Ecosystem, Washington State, Crassostrea gigas, Long Term Effect, Community Composition, Benthic Communities, and Random Allocation
Early juveniles represent a critical stage for population dynamics of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Periodic high predation pressure on small juveniles emphasizes the importance of suitable habitat for refuge. Seagrass beds are an... more
Early juveniles represent a critical stage for population dynamics of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Periodic high predation pressure on small juveniles emphasizes the importance of suitable habitat for refuge. Seagrass beds are an important nursery habitat in some areas, ...
Research Interests:
... Martin H. Posey, Troy D. Alphin, Sherry Banner, Frederic Vose and William Lindberg ... Analysis of relative abundance patterns among individual taxa indicated similar rank abundances of many dominant fauna over the 3 yrs of sam-pling,... more
... Martin H. Posey, Troy D. Alphin, Sherry Banner, Frederic Vose and William Lindberg ... Analysis of relative abundance patterns among individual taxa indicated similar rank abundances of many dominant fauna over the 3 yrs of sam-pling, though significant seasonality was ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Relative abundances of young-of-the-year (YOY) spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) sampled by trawling in two tidal creeks on Masonboro Island, North Carolina, were highest in the shallow creek margins. Abundances of benthic invertebrates sampled... more
Relative abundances of young-of-the-year (YOY) spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) sampled by trawling in two tidal creeks on Masonboro Island, North Carolina, were highest in the shallow creek margins. Abundances of benthic invertebrates sampled by cores in one of the study creeks, were also maximal at the creek margin. Polychaetes associated with the creek margin composed the largest fraction of spot diets, indicating spot located in the creek margins were in the area of highest food availability. Spot predators sampled by trawling and seining were uncommon and were primarily juvenile (75–200 mm total length) southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma), hake (Urophycis spp.), and bluefish (Pomotomus saltatrix). Large YOY spot experienced a size refuge from predation, as only small YOY spot were found in predator stomachs. In laboratory experiments testing the effects of the presence of a predator, food, or both food and predators on the depth distribution of YOY spot, food had a stronger effect on spot distributions than predators The results of field observations and laboratory experiments suggest food has the strongest effect on spot distribution in the field, and that food is relatively more important than refuge from predation to the nursery function of shallow estuarine habitats.
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Stability, Coastal, Barrier Islands, Ecosystems, ARENA, and 5 moreSAND, Storms, Seasonal Variations, Beach Nourishment, and Playa
Research Interests:
The occurrence of a reef patch of tube-building polychaetes (Sabellariidae) is noted from the southern Oregon coast. The vast majority of the individuals in the reef are small Sabellaria cementarium. Larger S. cementarium, a second... more
The occurrence of a reef patch of tube-building polychaetes (Sabellariidae) is noted from the southern Oregon coast. The vast majority of the individuals in the reef are small Sabellaria cementarium. Larger S. cementarium, a second species of Idanthyrsus ornamentatus, and the ampharetid Schistocomus hi/toni are also common, occurring both as solitary individuals and as small monospecific clumps of individuals mixed in with the small Sabellaria. The reef extends between 6 m and 10 m below mean sea level (MSL) and is attached to the sandstone bedrock along the subtidal extension of a sea cliff. Measurements of worm abundances and distributions, and observations of larger associated organisms, were performed using SCUBA. Smaller associated fauna were studied from cores taken in the tube matrix. The authors suggest that the structured habitat provided by the worm-tube matrix permits a larger than usual species diversity to occur in the area.
Research Interests:
Tidal freshwater swamps of the southeastern United States, especially those found along the North Carolina Coast, are poorly characterized. They are abundant in southeastern North Carolina's coastal plain, where tide ranges about... more
Tidal freshwater swamps of the southeastern United States, especially those found along the North Carolina Coast, are poorly characterized. They are abundant in southeastern North Carolina's coastal plain, where tide ranges about 1.35 m and affects river stages far inland. Tidal ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Sediment quality of North Carolina estuaries was evaluated using synoptic data on sediment chemistry, toxicity, and macroinfaunal community structure from 175 subtidal stations sampled during the summers of 1994–1997. The study area... more
Sediment quality of North Carolina estuaries was evaluated using synoptic data on sediment chemistry, toxicity, and macroinfaunal community structure from 175 subtidal stations sampled during the summers of 1994–1997. The study area included Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico Sounds; estuarine portions of major rivers (e.g., Chowan, Roanoke, Tar-Pamlico, Neuse, New, Cape Fear); and numerous smaller tributaries and coastal embayments between the Virginia and South Carolina borders. A probabilistic sampling design permitted statistical estimation of the spatial extent of degraded versus non-degraded condition across these estuaries. Over half (54 ± 7%) of the surveyed area had high sediment quality characterized by healthy benthic assemblages and low levels of sediment contamination and toxicity. The remaining 46% showed evidence of significant stress in one or more of the above sediment-quality-triad components. While this is a sizable area, portions of it (27 ± 6%) were represented b...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Crustacea, Aquaculture, Multidisciplinary, Crustacea Decapoda, Insecticides, and 14 morePolychaeta, Animals, Field Experiment, Mollusca, North America, Washington, Benthos, Ecosystem, Washington State, Crassostrea gigas, Long Term Effect, Community Composition, Benthic Communities, and Random Allocation
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
... rish and Zimmerman 1977, Bray et al. ... Infauna had highest rank abundance (most com-mon) in exclusion treatments significantly more often than either uncaged plots (R~- R u = 19; ~.o5 = 15.2; Siegel and Castellan 1988) or partial... more
... rish and Zimmerman 1977, Bray et al. ... Infauna had highest rank abundance (most com-mon) in exclusion treatments significantly more often than either uncaged plots (R~- R u = 19; ~.o5 = 15.2; Siegel and Castellan 1988) or partial cage plots (Re--Rpc= 16; ~.o5 = 15.2). ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Early juveniles represent a critical stage for population dynamics of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Periodic high predation pressure on small juveniles emphasizes the importance of suitable habitat for refuge. Seagrass beds are an... more
Early juveniles represent a critical stage for population dynamics of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Periodic high predation pressure on small juveniles emphasizes the importance of suitable habitat for refuge. Seagrass beds are an important nursery habitat in some areas, ...