Abstract
Six of the seven major estuarine systems on the Texas coast are compared using geomorphic, hydrologic, hydrographic, nutrient loading, and commercial fishery harvest indices as common bases. While the geomorphic characteristics of these systems are relatively similar, major differences are found in annual freshwater inflows, precipitation and evaporation patterns, and hydraulic residence times, as well as tidal exchange influenced residence times. Biotic composition is relatively similar except where salinity tolerance limitations reduce populations of finfish and shellfish. Nutrient budgets show that nutrient inputs are dominated by freshwater inflows, with exchange from saltwater and delta marshes and precipitation providing a small fraction of the inflow. Finfish and shellfish harvests are shown to be functions of average salinity of the estuaries as well as of areal loading rates of nutrients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
