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Microhabitat influence on larval fish assemblages within vegetated beds: Implications for restoration
Citation:
Ramage, H., J. Hoffman, Greg Peterson, C. Hatzenbuhler, J. Barge, M. Pearson, AND J. Launspach. Microhabitat influence on larval fish assemblages within vegetated beds: Implications for restoration. Minnesota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, St Cloud, MN, February 21 - 23, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
not applicable
Description:
We examined larval and juvenile fish assemblage structure in relation to microhabitat variables within the St. Louis River estuary, a drowned river mouth of Lake Superior. Fish were sampled in vegetated beds throughout the estuary, across a gradient of vegetation types and densities (including disturbed, preserved and post-restoration sites). Canonical correspondence analysis, relating species abundances to environmental variables revealed that plant species richness, turbidity and aquatic plant cover were most influential in structuring assemblages. Results from this microhabitat analysis at this crucial life stage has potential to inform wetland restoration efforts within the St. Louis River and other Great Lake coastal wetlands.