Meta-analysis of Nekton Utilization of Coastal Habitats in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Terill A Hollweg,Kristopher G Benson,Heather R Ballestero,Just Cebrian,Mary T Huisenga,Scott L Friedman,Bryan P Wallace,Mary C Christman

doi:10.1007/s12237-019-00633-y

Abstract

Estuaries in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) provide habitat for many ecologically, commercially, and recreationally important fish and crustacean species (i.e., nekton), but patterns of nekton abundance and community assemblages across habitat types, salinity zones, and seasons have not been described region-wide. Recognizing the wealth of information collected from previous and ongoing field sampling efforts, we developed a meta-analytical approach to aggregate nekton density data from separate studies (using different gear types) that can be used to answer key research questions. We then applied this meta-analytical approach to separate nekton datasets from studies conducted in the Gulf of Mexico to summarize patterns in nekton density across and within several estuarine habitat types, including marsh, oyster reefs, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), and open-water non-vegetated bottom (NVB). The results of the meta-analysis highlighted several important patterns of nekton use associated with these habitat types. Nekton densities were higher in structured estuarine habitats (i.e., marsh, oyster reefs, SAV) than in open-water NVB habitat. Marsh and SAV community assemblages were relatively similar to each other, but different from those associated with open-water NVB and oyster habitats. Densities of commercially and recreationally important crustacean and fish species were highest in saline marshes, thus demonstrating the importance of this habitat in the northern GOM. The results of our meta-analysis are generally consistent with previous site-specific studies in the region (many of which were included in the meta-analysis) and provide further evidence for these patterns at a regional scale. This meta-analytical approach is easy to implement for diverse research and management purposes, and provides the opportunity to advance understanding of the value and role of coastal habitats to nekton communities.

Highlights

IntroductionEstuarine habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are important for many ecologically and economically important fish and crustacean species (hereafter referred to collectively as “nekton”; Boesch and Turner 1984; McIvor and Rozas 1996; Deegan et al 2000; Zimmerman et al 2000; Beck et al 2001; Minello et al 2003), and facilitate vital ecological connectivity (e.g., exchanging nutrients and energy) between estuarine and marine environments (Deegan 1993; Deegan et al 2000)
Estuarine habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are important for many ecologically and economically important fish and crustacean species, and facilitate vital ecological connectivity between estuarine and marine environments (Deegan 1993; Deegan et al 2000)
Using nekton density data reported in the scientific literature, we applied this novel meta-analytical approach to evaluate common spatial and seasonal patterns in nekton density across and within four estuarine habitat types, including marsh, oyster reefs, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), and open-water non-vegetated bottom (NVB). This meta-analytical approach is easy to implement for diverse research and management purposes, and provides the opportunity to advance understanding of the value and role of coastal habitats to nekton communities

Summary

Introduction

Estuarine habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are important for many ecologically and economically important fish and crustacean species (hereafter referred to collectively as “nekton”; Boesch and Turner 1984; McIvor and Rozas 1996; Deegan et al 2000; Zimmerman et al 2000; Beck et al 2001; Minello et al 2003), and facilitate vital ecological connectivity (e.g., exchanging nutrients and energy) between estuarine and marine environments (Deegan 1993; Deegan et al 2000) Within these estuarine systems, structured habitats, including marsh, oyster reefs, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), support higher densities of nekton species than non-vegetated bottom (NVB) habitats (e.g., Rozas and Minello 1998; Castellanos and Rozas 2001; Shervette and Gelwick 2008; Stunz et al 2010; Shervette et al 2011). The ability to describe the spatial and temporal use of such habitats by nekton is essential to ensure the conservation, restoration, and management of habitats that are critical to maintaining healthy nekton populations for both ecological and commercial purposes

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