The floral and faunal recovery of a restored coastal wetland : Kunz Marsh, South Slough, Coos Bay, OR

Graduation Date

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Biology, 2001

Committee Chair Name

Frank J. Shaughnessy

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Restoration ecology--Oregon, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Biology, Wetland conservation--Oregon

Abstract

Improved understanding of the importance of estuarine wetlands to the function of coastal ecosystems has lead to increased restoration efforts of degraded wetlands. The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (SSNERR) in Coos Bay, Oregon, has taken active steps to restore previously diked tidal wetlands. In addition, they have established monitoring programs that focus on the faunal and floral recovery of restored sites within Kunz Marsh. The overall objective of the present study was to determine the degree of community recovery in restored salt marsh sites relative to control sites. Vascular plants, diatoms, invertebrates, and fish were sampled in spring, summer, and fall of 1998 and 1999. Vegetation cover decreased from high to low elevations, was higher in control than restored sites, and increased between 1998 and 1999. Diatom abundances showed seasonality in most sites and were higher in the restored than the control sites. Relative abundance of invertebrates in the first year was higher in control than in restored sites. More of these animals were found in vegetated than open areas. Fish abundance increased with decreasing elevation and Kunz Marsh sites showed a species composition similar to the adjoining Winchester Creek. In general, community recovery, particularly for plants and invertebrates, occurred more quickly in the higher restored sites. This may be due to the aggressive restoration method used, as well as successional processes that are known to occur more rapidly in the high marsh.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/jm214r613

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