Regional application of an index of estuarine biotic integrity based on fish communities |
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| Authors: | Jeffrey E Hughes Linda A Deegan Melissa J Weaver Joseph E Costa |
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| Institution: | 1. The Ecosystems Center, The Marine Biological Laboratory, 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts
3. Buzzards Bay Project, Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management, 2870 Cranberry Highway, 02538, Wareham, Massachusetts
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| Abstract: | We applied an index of estuarine biotic integrity (EBI) to 36 sites in 16 estuaries on Cape Cod and in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts,
U.S. Two estuaries were sampled in 6 years, from 1988–1999 (Waquoit and Buttermilk Bays), and a total of 14 others in Buzzards
Bay were sampled in 1993, 1996, and 1998. Habitats at each site were classified as either low or medium quality by density
and biomass of submerged rooted vegetation (eelgrass). The EBI and its metrics (fish abundance, biomass, total species, species
dominance, life history, and proportion by life zone) were successful in classifying habitat quality. Greatest success and
least bias of the EBI and its metrics in classifying habitat quality occurred when eelgrass habitats were least degraded.
The EBI tracked habitat degradation over time in Waquoit and Buttermilk Bays. Average EBI values in medium-quality habitats
of Buzzards Bay estuaries during 1996 and 1998 were less than expected based on earlier EBI values from Waquoit and Buttermilk
Bays, suggesting that many of these sites are in transition from medium to low quality. Our results indicate that the EBI
is sensitive to habitat quality change, and further suggest that low-quality habitats may approach a stable fish community
structure that is well reflected by the EBI. The relationship of the EBI to an independent measure of water quality demonstrated
inherent time lags between the degradation and improvement of water quality, fish habitat, and response of the fish community. |
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