Volume 60
Changes in Mangrove Channel Fish Assemblages Following Restoration of Adjacent Habitat within Ft. Desoto Park, Florida: A Look at the Importance of Connectivity in Restoration Ecology
Authors
Waters, L., and T. Cuba. Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2007
Pages: 683
Event: Proceedings of the Sixtieth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: Punta Cana
Country: Dominican Republic
Abstract
A comparison survey of the fish populations in three mangrove channels of Ft. DeSoto park, Pinellas County, Florida was conducted as part of a study documenting changes following the restoration of historical tidal circulation patterns. Sampling conducted before restoration, from May 2004 through July 2004, provided a pre-event data set. Sampling conducted after restoration, from May through August of 2005, 2006, and 2007, provided a post-event data set. Pre-event sampling showed a seasonal increase in the number of species and total number of fish present from May to July. Total number of different species present within each of the three mangrove channels was similar throughout pre-event sampling. Post-event sampling has shown similar seasonal increase, an increase in the number of fish, and an increase in the number of species over the pre-event sampling. Additional fish species include fish expected for the area but not recorded in this study before the restoration effort, open water species, and non transient species.