Developing a multimetric index to assess resaca ecosystem health

Author

Buford J. Lessley, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Alejandro Fierro-Cabo

Second Advisor

Dr. Jude Benavides

Third Advisor

Dr. Richard Kline

Abstract

As the only freshwater ecosystem in the lower Rio Grande Valley aside from the Rio itself, resacas are critical habitat for many species of flora and fauna. Old distributaries of the Rio Grande, resacas provided conveyance routes moving floodwater to the Laguna Madre. Today these wetlands are novel ecosystems and are artificially maintained. Urbanization and agriculture have lead to sedimentation, habitat loss, contaminants, poor water quality, and invasive species. The objective of this study was to assess and monitor resaca pools and to compose the Resaca Health Index (RHI) from selected indicators of ecosystem structure and function including leaf litter decomposition rates, a riparian habitat assessment index, the trophic state index, and a fish community index. Overall, the RHI adequately discriminated among resacas in various ecosystem statuses, and can be a valuable management tool allowing for more accurate assessment and monitoring of ecosystem health in urban and suburban resacas.

Comments

Copyright 2016 Buford J. Lessley. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/developing-multimetric-index-assess-resaca/docview/1878088323/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Lessley, Buford J., "Developing a multimetric index to assess resaca ecosystem health" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 112.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/112