Estuaries are mosaics of spatially heterogeneous but functionally connected habitats such as saltmarshes, oyster reefs, and mudflats.  Each has consequences for many of the processes that affect recruitment of penaeid shrimp to adult stocks and the overall population dynamics such as foraging, growth, predator avoidance, and refuge from abiotic stress. The unifying objective of this research is to quantitatively describe the nursery function of Georgia estuaries for recreationally and commercially important white shrimp. We are addressing two main goals: 1) better understand the effects of landscape context on habitat value of saltmarshes and tidal creeks (further referred to as saltmarsh complex) for white shrimp and 2) explore spatial variability in nursery function within the estuary. In this study, landscape context considers three primary metrics: 1) saltmarsh continuity (patchy vs continuous), 2) marsh platform elevation (tidal inundation), and 3) quantity of alternative available habitat (e.g., oyster reef). Whereas it has been suggested from previous studies that these metrics can influence shrimp population dynamics, relatively few studies have quantitatively evaluated these linkages, particularly in southeastern U.S. estuaries (although see Kneib and Huggler 2001 and Webb and Kneib 2003).  Reaching this goal is being accomplished by examining relative abundances, growth, condition, and trophic dynamics of juvenile white shrimp among alternative landscape types. Additionally we are examining the use of stable isotope tags to identify areas within the estuary contributing greater proportions of individuals to the adult population.

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Funding Sources: NOAA LMRCSC Technical Advisory Board 

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Collaborators: Matthew Kenworthy*, Dionne Hoskins-Brown (NOAA and SSU), Jennifer Doerr (NOAA),

                          Maurice Crawford (UMES)

     *Project PI