Thesis
Assemblage and diet of native and non-native nearshore fishes in a restoring wetland in the northern Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100224
Abstract
An unprecedented need exists to preserve and restore native estuarine biological diversity before extinction eliminates the opportunity. The most important factor contributing to the decline of native species is the loss or degradation of native habitat (Miller 1989). We examined how native and non-native nearshore fish assemblages vary seasonally and interannually, as well as relate to hydrography at Liberty Island, California. In addition, we investigated fish diet composition and explored potential resource competition among native and non-native species. Fish were collected in conjuction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service by beach seine at Liberty Island on a weekly basis between August 2002 and October 2004. Additional fish were collected by beach seine at Liberty Island for diet analysis in June 2007 and June 2008. The fish community composition at Liberty Island comprised of 32 taxa with less than half (13) identified as native to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Species abundance within Liberty Island was the product of two interacting factors: the timing and place of reproduction of the abundant species and physiological tolerances. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling indicated that seasonality and water temperature exhibited the greatest influence on fish assemblages. In addition, a total of 601 individuals were used for fish diet analysis. Inland silverside (Menidia beryllina), yellowfin goby (Acanthogobius flavimanu) and Sacramento splittail, accounted for 94% of the total catch and SIMPER analysis indicated that there was very little diet similarities between these species, suggesting adequate resource availability in the wet season. Finally, due to correlations between environmental variables and native fishes, efforts to restore the Delta to historical hydrographic conditions (high water flow and cooler temperatures) will enhance the success of these native species.
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Details
- Title
- Assemblage and diet of native and non-native nearshore fishes in a restoring wetland in the northern Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
- Creators
- Kate Lisbeth Olsen
- Contributors
- Stephen M. Bollens (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900524878401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis