Investigations of the reference condition approach and intertidal ecology of Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, with reference to the impacts of intertidal harvesting

Westhead, M. C. (2005). Investigations of the reference condition approach and intertidal ecology of Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, with reference to the impacts of intertidal harvesting. https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3027

Search for this publication on Google Scholar

Details:

Title

Investigations of the reference condition approach and intertidal ecology of Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, with reference to the impacts of intertidal harvesting

Author
Westhead, Maxine C.
Call Number

LE3 .A278 2005

Date

2005

Supervisor

Daborn, Graham
Reynoldson, Trefor

Degree Grantor

Acadia University

Degree Name

Master of Science

Degree Level

Masters

Discipline

Biology

Affiliation

Biology

Abstract

Intertidal harvesting for clams and bloodworms in the Minas Basin results in physical disturbance of the tidal flats, the biological effects of which are largely unknown. This study examined the applicability of the Reference Condition Approach, a freshwater ecological assessment method, for assessing the biological effects of physical disturbance in the intertidal estuarine environment of the Minas Basin tidal flats. Physical disturbance was found to significantly increase grain size, total benthic organism densities, and nematode worms and harpacticoid copepods. Physical disturbance also significantly lowered densities of tube building polychaetes, specifically maldanids and spionids. The BEnthic Assessment of SedimenT (BEAST) approach showed most promise in the Minas Basin than the River InVertebrate Prediction and Classification System (RIVPACS), however the inclusion of more relevant environmental variables is needed to fully assess model performance and the application of predictive models in the study area.

Rights

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

Permanent Link

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3027

Bookmarks: