Agricultural impact on the pelagic ecosystem of the small temporarily open/closed Seteni Estuary, South Africa

Abstract

The encroachment of agriculture and human population is placing increasing levels of stress on estuarine ecosystems worldwide. The catchment of the Seteni Estuary, a small temporarily open/closed estuary in South Africa, has been under extensive sugar cultivation for over 60 years. The present study reports on the impact of agricultural practices on the structure and dynamics of its pelagic communities over a 1-year period, from April 2008 to March 2009. The physico-chemical characteristics of the system were strongly linked to seasonality, with the system exhibiting a distinct open- and closed-mouth phase in response to rainfall. Concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) were exceptionally high in comparison to concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), resulting in high DIN : DIP ratios. Despite this, microalgal biomass remained relatively low, exhibiting maximum values of 91.7 mg chl a m–2 and 18.0 mg chl a m–3 for microphytobenthos and phytoplankton, respectively. Zooplankton abundance and biomass were significantly higher during the dry phase, with Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominating the zooplankton community both in terms of abundance and biomass throughout the study period. The ichthyofaunal community was dominated by Ambassis ambassis and Myxus capensis in terms of abundance and biomass, respectively. Results suggest that the system remains functional, but there is potential for deterioration, should the catchment become more nutrient-rich through poor management or land-use changes.